LIVE @ Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA) Board Meeting 01/10/19

BCTDA Board Meeting Recap: January 10, 2019 – Focusing on Marketing, Finances, and Data Alignment

The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA) Board convened on January 10, 2019, to discuss key priorities for the region's tourism industry. While a full vote could not be taken due to a lack of quorum, the meeting generated significant discussion and set important directions for the coming year. This recap highlights the key takeaways from the meeting, explaining what was discussed and outlining next steps for residents.

A New Marketing Partner: 360i Selected to Boost Tourism Promotion

One of the major focuses of the meeting was selecting a new marketing agency. After a thorough review process involving proposals and presentations, the board unanimously agreed to recommend 360i as the BCTDA’s new marketing partner. This decision reflects a desire for a strategic, data-driven approach to tourism promotion that leverages digital expertise and integrates creative campaigns. To support this transition, the board will request a budget resolution of $494,537 at their next meeting to fund initial research needs. This investment aims to strengthen Asheville’s brand and attract visitors, ultimately benefiting local businesses and the community.

Strengthening Financial Management & Addressing Data Discrepancies

Recognizing a need for improved financial oversight, the board discussed the creation of a dedicated Director of Finance position. This role will streamline financial operations, ensure compliance with governmental regulations, and maximize the effectiveness of the BCTDA's use of Workday. Funding for this position will be reallocated from a vacant Marketing Analyst role, ensuring no immediate budget impact. Beyond staffing, the board also addressed concerns about discrepancies in tourism data between the BCTDA and the City of Asheville. To resolve this, a collaborative meeting will be scheduled involving city staff, county officials (Joe and Jennifer Pikes), and tourism economics experts. Aligning data collection and reporting is crucial for accurate assessment of the industry’s performance and informed decision-making.

Looking Ahead: Development Planning, Group Sales & City Council Updates

The meeting also touched upon several other important topics. Board members discussed the potential for significant funding needs in the coming years to support redevelopment projects identified by City Council, including key areas like Matthews Ford, Charlotte Street, and the River Arts District. Group sales were reviewed, showing a slight decrease in contracted rooms but encouraging growth in tentative bookings and smaller group sizes. Finally, Diana provided updates from City Council regarding approvals for contract amendments related to the U.S. Cellular Center roof and reports on high-impact sites, highlighting ongoing collaboration between the BCTDA and city government.

Community Voice & What's Next for Buncombe County Tourism

A retired city planner offered a public comment, encouraging the board to consider a longer-term (10-15 year) development planning timeframe, a suggestion that resonated with the board. Moving forward, residents can expect to see action on several fronts: a budget resolution request for 360i, the scheduling of a data alignment meeting with city and county officials, continued planning efforts for the Haywood Page site (potentially split across two budget cycles), and ongoing monitoring of high-impact redevelopment projects. The BCTDA’s focus remains on data-driven decision-making, strategic marketing, and collaborative partnerships to ensure a thriving tourism industry that benefits all of Buncombe County.

This recap aims to provide clarity on the BCTDA’s activities and their impact on our community. For more detailed information, please refer to the full meeting transcript available on the BCTDA website.