LIVE @ Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA) Board Meeting 11/28/18

Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority Board Meeting Recap - November 28, 2018

The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA) Board held its monthly meeting on November 28, 2018, with a full attendance including representatives from Buncombe County government, Explore Asheville, the Asheville Regional Airport, ashvegas.com, and the Asheville Independent Restaurant Association. The meeting prioritized discussions on financial performance, ongoing marketing campaigns, and improvements to the visitor experience within Buncombe County. A notable focus was placed on transparency, with the meeting being recorded to increase public access.

A key highlight of the meeting was a strong financial report presented by Ottawa, showing October revenues exceeding expenditures. The BCTDA collected 30.6% of its budgeted occupancy tax revenue and spent only 11.5%, resulting in a year-to-date surplus of $3.5 million – a 10.4% increase compared to last year. While the board approved this report, they also acknowledged a need for better alignment between monthly budget projections and actual spending. A motion was unanimously passed to reallocate $15,000 from the contingency fund to support sports sponsorships, specifically aiming to secure the return of the Fed Cup event to Asheville. Additionally, a $7,000 budget increase was approved for updates to the county’s wayfinding system.

Discussions centered heavily on ongoing marketing initiatives designed to attract visitors throughout the year. The board lauded the success of the "Summer of Glass" partnership with Biltmore, which generated significant online engagement and media coverage. Current campaigns, "Fall a Day" and “Holiday,” were also reviewed, aiming to capitalize on the fall foliage season and holiday travel. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing the results of the National Geographic partnership, which generated over 33 million impressions across television and digital platforms. The board also addressed the temporary ban on e-scooters implemented by City Council, acknowledging its impact on accessibility for some visitors. Updates were provided regarding the I-26 connector project, a crucial infrastructure improvement impacting access to Asheville.

Beyond marketing and finances, the board engaged in important conversations about the long-term health of tourism in Buncombe County. Discussions explored ways to enhance the BCTDA's online presence through Google Knowledge Panels, capturing user-generated content and ensuring accurate information is readily available. There was also a discussion regarding the $5 million unassigned fund balance, with plans to clarify its availability for future investments like a new advertising agency retainer and website redesign. Finally, the board acknowledged concerns raised by City Council regarding potential revenue challenges and explored options like a food and beverage tax or transit sales tax, as well as the significant property taxes paid by local hotels.

Looking ahead, several action items were identified. A community input session will be held in January to gather feedback on signage within the River Arts District, ensuring visitor navigation is intuitive and welcoming. The BCTDA will continue discussions with the county and state legislature regarding potential new revenue streams to support tourism initiatives. Board members will also attend the Sports Commission’s annual general meeting on December 19th to further explore opportunities for bringing sporting events to the region. These ongoing efforts demonstrate the BCTDA’s commitment to fostering a thriving tourism economy that benefits all residents of Buncombe County.