(Part 1 of 2) LIVE @ Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA) Board Meeting 01/30/19

Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA) Board Meeting Recap – January 30, 2019

On January 30th, the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA) Board convened for a meeting focused on recognizing local achievements, reviewing financial performance, and outlining key initiatives impacting the county’s tourism sector. A wide range of stakeholders were present, including representatives from local businesses like Dutmore Farms, Asheville Marcon Regional Sports Movement, and the Asheville Regional Airport, demonstrating a broad interest in the BCTDA's work.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to celebrating local contributions to tourism and the community. The Board extended heartfelt congratulations to John McKibben & the Aloft Hotel for receiving a prestigious national award recognizing their community service, and acknowledged Brooke Randall & Leticia for their philanthropic efforts highlighted in WNC Magazine. Other recognitions included celebrating Chip & Graveyard Rentals’ 20th anniversary, honoring Jane Anderson as Blue Person of the Year, and praising Leah for her fundraising efforts in "Dancing with the Stars." These recognitions underscored the Board's commitment to supporting and celebrating those who contribute to Buncombe County’s vibrant tourism landscape.

Financially, the BCTDA reported strong performance for both November and December. Revenue consistently exceeded expenditures, with occupancy tax revenue showing a healthy increase of 9.8% in November and 10% in December compared to the previous year. Room sales also saw positive growth, indicating a thriving tourism economy. The Board unanimously approved the minutes from previous meetings and also approved an amendment extending the deadline for the 2018 audit contract. A notable decision involved modifying the Riverfront Destination 2.0 project, reducing funding by $975,000 due to changes in the Greenway portion of the project. The remaining funds will be used to finalize improvements to the Amboy Crosswalk and River Access, ensuring continued progress in enhancing riverfront amenities.

A key discussion centered around the Buncombe County tourism economic impact study, which was presented to the Board. The presentation clarified that data on Airbnb and short-term vacation rentals are combined to represent all short-term lodging activity within the county. The Board acknowledged the ongoing effort to refine data collection and analysis, recognizing the complexity of accurately tracking tourism trends. Finally, the Board agreed to schedule a public hearing at their next meeting to finalize budgets for approved projects from previous grant cycles and a major works project, ensuring transparency and community involvement in the allocation of tourism funds.

Looking ahead, several key actions are planned. The Board will schedule a public hearing to finalize project budgets and continue refining data collection methods related to short-term rentals. A wayfinding input session for the River Arts District is planned in February, and preparations are underway for the annual Hospitality Outlook event on February 22nd. The highly anticipated Tourism Summit in May will feature Adam Sachs from Tourism Economics as the keynote speaker, promising valuable insights into industry trends and strategies. These upcoming events highlight the BCTDA’s ongoing commitment to supporting a thriving tourism industry and enhancing the visitor experience in Buncombe County.