LIVE @ Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA) Board Meeting 7/31/19
July 30, 2019 at 8:00 PM
Event Recap
Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA) Board Meeting Recap – July 31, 2019
The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA) Board held a comprehensive meeting on July 31, 2019, addressing key aspects of the county's thriving tourism sector. The meeting covered financial performance, ongoing marketing initiatives, and future planning efforts aimed at attracting visitors and supporting local businesses. This recap summarizes the key discussions, decisions, and next steps for residents interested in understanding how tourism is managed in Buncombe County.
Celebrating Success and Reviewing Finances: The meeting opened with a celebratory note as the board acknowledged Asheville’s recent national recognition for its tourism efforts, a significant achievement against finalists from other prominent destinations. A preliminary financial report revealed strong performance for June, with total revenue at $1.4 million and expenditures totaling $4.7 million. Notably, occupancy tax revenue was up 9.4% compared to the previous year, demonstrating a positive trend in visitor spending. While expenditures were higher than initially budgeted, adjustments are expected during the final audit.
Marketing & Visitor Experience Updates: A significant portion of the meeting focused on ongoing marketing and visitor experience initiatives. The board received a detailed update on the successful “Free Your Spirit” spring campaign, which generated increased website traffic and wedding leads. Future marketing efforts will focus on retargeting strategies and seasonal promotions. Discussions also centered around the “Welcome to AVL” mobile platform, designed to provide visitors with convenient access to information and services. Additionally, the board reviewed progress on the River Arts District (RAD) wayfinding project, emphasizing upcoming community input sessions to ensure it meets local needs. A new Tourism Attraction Network was introduced, aiming to foster collaboration and support for local businesses across the county.
Significant Discussions & Potential Policy Changes: The meeting included robust discussions on several potential policy changes that could impact the future of tourism in Buncombe County. A contentious debate arose regarding district elections for board members, with a majority leaning towards reverting to the previous at-large system. Perhaps most significantly, the board initiated a discussion surrounding a potential moratorium on hotel construction. This proposal aims to develop consistent criteria for approving new developments, ensuring responsible growth and minimizing potential negative impacts on the community. This discussion will continue at a Planning and Economic Development Committee meeting.
Community Voices & Future Planning: The public comment period provided an opportunity for citizen input. Steffi Rauch, representing the Citizens Climate Lobby, advocated for climate action legislation, highlighting its potential benefits for tourism. Board members then shared their perspectives on the district election debate and the proposed hotel construction moratorium, reflecting a range of viewpoints. Looking ahead, the BCTDA is embarking on several key initiatives. The Tourism Management Investment Plan (TMIP) will involve public input sessions and a final report to guide future tourism investments. A community sentiment survey will be distributed to gather feedback on tourism management, ensuring the BCTDA remains responsive to resident concerns.
What's Next & Why it Matters: The BCTDA has several key action items moving forward. These include finalizing the June financial audit, conducting public input sessions for both the TMIP and RAD wayfinding project, and continuing exploration of charter change options regarding district elections. The ongoing discussion about a moratorium on hotel construction will be a critical point of consideration for the Planning and Economic Development Committee. Ultimately, these discussions and decisions will shape how Buncombe County manages its tourism industry, impacting everything from local business growth to the overall quality of life for residents. Citizens are encouraged to stay informed and participate in upcoming public input sessions to contribute their voices to this important process.