LIVE @ Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA) Board Meeting 01/29/2020

Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority Board Meeting Recap: January 29, 2020

On January 29th, the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA) Board convened for a meeting focused on strategic initiatives, financial performance, and addressing potential challenges to the region's tourism industry. A wide range of stakeholders were present, including representatives from various local organizations like the Asheville Bed & Breakfast Association, Explore Asheville, and the Black Mountain Chamber of Commerce, demonstrating a broad interest in the BCTDA's activities.

A significant portion of the meeting centered on bolstering tourism marketing efforts in anticipation of a potentially softening market. Following presentations outlining current financial health – including strong November revenues with a 39.7% occupancy rate and year-to-date room sales up by 4% – the board approved a supplemental campaign funding request of $150,000. This investment aims to expand advertising across various channels including television, radio, digital billboards, cinema advertising, and Google AdWords. A further $50,000 was allocated to directly support initiatives related to the recently announced expansion of non-stop flights at Asheville Regional Airport, a direct result of efforts by the TDA’s Air Service Development Task Force. The board's decision reflects a proactive approach to mitigating potential market fluctuations linked to the upcoming presidential election and an increase in hotel supply. While questions were raised about measuring the effectiveness of cinema advertising, the board ultimately approved its inclusion in the expanded campaign.

Beyond marketing, the meeting highlighted several positive developments for Buncombe County. The board celebrated the Asheville Regional Airport’s announcement of new non-stop flights to key cities, and congratulated David Whitehill of the Asheville Symphony for his recognition as a leader in the music industry. Updates were also provided on the African American Heritage Trail project, a grant-funded initiative progressing well through stakeholder interviews and listening sessions. A discussion regarding market segmentation revealed ongoing efforts to refine data collection and ensure accuracy in understanding visitor demographics. It was clarified that a proposed $100 million Thomas Wolfe project, presented by the city council, remains in its conceptual stage.

Community voices were heard during a brief public comment period, with a representative from the Celtic Fest thanking the BCTDA for their support and announcing upcoming festival dates. This demonstrated a continued partnership between the TDA and local events, contributing to the region’s vibrant cultural landscape.

Looking ahead, the BCTDA Board will continue its budget and strategic planning process with several work sessions scheduled for February and March. The board also noted that they will be closely monitoring discussions surrounding the city’s hotel moratorium, a key factor impacting future tourism development. Finally, the Energy Innovation Task Force is transitioning to the Blue Horizons project, with a request for proposals expected soon. This meeting demonstrated the BCTDA's commitment to proactively addressing challenges and capitalizing on opportunities to strengthen Buncombe County’s tourism sector, ensuring a vibrant and sustainable future for the region.