LIVE @ 10/23/19 Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA) Tourism Management Forum

Buncombe County Discusses the Future of Tourism Funding: A Recap of the October 23rd Forum

On October 23rd, the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA) hosted a Tourism Management Forum aimed at gathering community input and outlining the future of tourism funding in our county. Facilitated by Ed Mene of Leadership Asheville, the meeting focused on Phase One findings of the Tourism Management and Investment Plan (TMIP), a four-phase project designed to modernize how tourism dollars are invested in our community. The forum provided valuable insights into residents' views on tourism and the direction of future investments.

The meeting began with a review of the Tourism Product Development Fund (TPDF), which has distributed over $44 million since 2001 to support projects like greenways and cultural centers. A core focus of the discussion was the presentation of Phase One findings, which stemmed from extensive community surveys and workshops. A recurring theme emerged: balancing Asheville’s unique character and authenticity with the growth spurred by tourism. While acknowledging the significant economic impact of tourism – supporting 15% of Buncombe County employment through visitor spending – the forum also addressed resident concerns. These included traffic congestion, parking difficulties, rising housing costs, and a perception that tourism benefits primarily businesses rather than residents. A surprising finding was the low awareness among many residents about how TPDF funds are currently allocated and the projects they support. Panelists including historian Kevin Frazier, tourism leader Stephanie Brown, and hotelier Hamachi Kaurier offered diverse perspectives on these issues.

Community input was a vital part of the forum. Residents voiced concerns about the impact of tourism on housing affordability and traffic, emphasizing a desire to ensure that tourism funding benefits not just businesses but also addresses broader community needs. Elected officials and community leaders were recognized, and the presentation of survey results sparked a lively discussion about how to best manage tourism's impact while preserving Asheville’s unique identity.

No formal votes were taken during the meeting, as the primary objective was information sharing and gathering community feedback. However, several key action items were identified moving forward. The full report and survey results are now available online at ashvillecbb.com/tmip, providing residents with detailed information and an opportunity to review the findings themselves. An online form remains open for ongoing feedback, encouraging continued citizen participation in the TMIP process. The BCTDA will now move into Phase Two, which involves identifying potential projects and collaborating with city and county partners to develop a long-term investment strategy.

This initiative matters because it represents an opportunity for Buncombe County to proactively shape the future of tourism funding. By engaging residents and addressing their concerns, the TMIP aims to create a more sustainable and equitable tourism ecosystem that benefits both visitors and those who call Buncombe County home. The BCTDA’s commitment to community engagement suggests a desire to develop a tourism strategy that reflects the values and priorities of our residents, ensuring a vibrant and thriving community for years to come.