Anticipation Grows for Fall Tourism Season in Asheville
While the first half of 2024 may have seen a slight dip in hotel occupancy rates in Asheville, it seems as though the upcoming fall season is showing promising signs for the local tourism industry. Figures presented at an August meeting of the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA) spark expectant predictions for a robust fall season, despite a relatively weak national business environment.
Current Tourism Trends
In comparison to the first half of 2023, average hotel occupancy rates have declined slightly from 65% to 62%, while vacation rental occupancy has experienced a minor increase from 49% to 50% for this January-June period. Vic Isley, president, and CEO of Explore Asheville noted that increased supplies of both hotel and vacation rentals have not been matched by an increase in demand. This trend, however, is not unique to Asheville, with typical beach destinations often enjoying higher occupancy in the first half of the year. On the other hand, Asheville has consistently outperformed its coastal counterparts in the latter half of the year, specifically during the peak tourism months of July and October.
Expectations for Fall Season
As the end of summer approaches, all eyes are on the upcoming Fall season. The local community and the tourism industry are optimistic that the trend of a successful tourism peak will continue this year as well. Factors such as an 11% rise in air passenger numbers in the first six months of 2024 and Asheville’s appeal during the autumn season further fuel this optimistic picture of Asheville’s tourism industry.
Economic Impact of Tourism in Asheville
Despite varying occupancy rates, it is clear that the presence of visitors significantly contributes to the local economy. As stated by Isley, direct visitor spending in 2023 amounted to a massive $3 billion, marking a 35-fold increase since the inception of BCTDA in 1983. This means that a substantial 20% of Buncombe County’s gross domestic product is generated by the tourism industry, with over $1 billion of visitor-generated income directly benefiting local residents. Furthermore, tourism-related income supported a remarkable 29,000 jobs representing one in seven jobs across the county.
Preparations for The Upcoming Fall Season
As the tourism industry gears up for the fall season, there are a few changes within the BCTDA. Board members Kathleen Mosher and Scott Patel are set to step down in September 2024. Tim Rosebrock, Biltmore’s vice president of compliance and legal services will replace Mosher, and potential replacements for Patel include Joe Balcken with Wrong Way Campground, Randy Claybrook with Bent Creek Lodge, and Himanshu Karvir with Virtelle Hospitality.
While the earlier part of 2024 may have been slower for Asheville’s tourism industry, the second half of the year promises growth and prosperity. The commitment to provide unique experiences to its visitors, combined with the natural appeal of Asheville during the fall season, bodes well for a continued positive impact on the local economy.
