LIVE @ Asheville's Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA) meeting 09/25/19

Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA) Meeting Recap – September 25, 2019

On September 25th, the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA) convened a meeting focused on reviewing financial performance, outlining marketing strategies, and progressing key tourism development projects. The meeting included a welcome for new board member James Poole and featured presentations from various stakeholders, including representatives from organizations like PTAB Insanations, Jollan Strategy Group, and the North Carolina Restaurant Lodging Association. This recap summarizes the key discussions, decisions, and next steps for residents of Buncombe County.

A significant portion of the meeting centered on the BCTDA's financial health, with a review of August 2019 figures revealing strong performance. Revenue exceeded expenditures by a substantial margin, with over $1.946 million in revenue compared to $655,000 spent. Room sales were up 5% year-over-year and year-to-date, indicating a healthy tourism economy. The Product Development Fund remains robust with $23.3 million committed to projects, demonstrating a significant investment in the county's tourism infrastructure. The BCTDA approved August 2019 financial reports, solidifying these positive findings.

Beyond the financials, discussions highlighted ongoing marketing efforts and tourism trends. Stephanie’s presentation of the Tourism Performance Dashboard showed positive lodging sales growth in July, with hotel demand increasing despite a rise in supply. However, data from AirDNA indicated a slight slowdown in growth rates for short-term rentals, prompting the BCTDA to continue exploring a potential moratorium on new short-term rental permits – a topic slated for further review in October. Concerns were also raised regarding a decrease in group sales commitments, potentially linked to economic uncertainty, and the BCTDA will be exploring strategies to address this trend.

A major focus of the meeting was an update on the Tourism Management & Investment Plan (TMIP), a comprehensive plan for tourism development in Buncombe County. PGAV, the firm leading this initiative, presented progress on data gathering, stakeholder collaboration, and community input. Over 2,600 residents participated in sentiment surveys and public workshops, ensuring the plan reflects community priorities. The BCTDA is committed to a collaborative approach, incorporating resident feedback into the plan's development.

Several key decisions were made regarding grant agreements for ongoing projects. An extension was approved for the City of Asheville's U.S. Cellular Center project due to HVAC equipment delays, while adjustments were approved for the LEAF Community Arts Center grant. Notably, the parklet component of the Senator Kraft Project will be removed from its scope to allow for full disbursement of funds. Finally, a representative from the U.S. Census Bureau made an important plea for residents to help recruit census worker positions, emphasizing the vital role of a complete count in securing federal funding for Buncombe County.

What's Next? The BCTDA will continue to monitor group sales performance and explore strategies to address the slowdown. A moratorium regarding short-term rentals will be revisited in October. The TMIP process continues, with ongoing community engagement expected to shape the future of tourism development in Buncombe County. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about these developments and participate in future opportunities for input as the plan progresses. This meeting underscored the BCTDA's commitment to a data-driven, community-focused approach to ensuring a sustainable and thriving tourism industry for Buncombe County.