Tourism Builds Community

Tourism promotion has been a successful strategy for building the local Asheville area economy. The establishment of the occupancy tax by the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA) in 1983 created a source of marketing funds that has helped create and sustain independent businesses by expanding the Asheville customer base and providing free marketing to connect visitors to local shops, restaurants, cultural experiences, events, attractions and accommodations.

Through the years, various tourism development strategies and programs have developed to help maximize the positive impact of the occupancy tax model on the local community, the visitor experience, and 1,200+ businesses that make up the Buncombe County tourism industry community.

Tourism Development Programs: