May 27, 2026

Today, the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority Board of Directors reviewed the proposed FY27 $27.1 million operating budget by the Finance Committee and Explore Asheville staff.

The FY27 proposed budget supports Explore Asheville’s ability to inspire high quality visits to bolster Buncombe County’s creative economy, and leverage milestone opportunities such as the Biltmore Championship Asheville and Outdoor Media Summit. It also underpins Explore Asheville’s imperative to deliver balanced and sustainable growth by attracting groups and events that occur during shoulder seasons and weekdays at facilities throughout Buncombe County. And it provides sustained investment in year-round, diverse, and homegrown community festivals and cultural events that shine a spotlight on our community’s creative spirit while enhancing local pride.

Other takeaways from the May 2026 board meeting include:

• April lodging occupancy and demand;
• Ryan Appleton appointed to the Legacy Investment from Tourism (LIFT) Fund Committee and $600,000 approved to support management and maintenance of Explore Asheville’s Wayfinding System next fiscal year;
• An update on the Asheville Regional Airport’s current air service and AVL Forward Terminal Expansion progress.
  

We are hosting three events next week that you won’t want to miss! Join us for a Biltmore Championship Asheville Partner Social at Wicked Weed Funkatorium on Monday, June 1. Lodging partners will want to attend a webinar where Buncombe County will guide them through its new Occupancy Tax Payment System on Thursday, June 4. Closing out the week, the entire community is invited to celebrate the latest Asheville Black Cultural Heritage Trail mural in the River Arts District on Friday, June 5.

April hotel occupancy was 67%, up three points from 2025 and down seven points from 2019. Hotel demand was up 5% from 2025.

April vacation rental occupancy was 57%, up three points from 2025 and 2019. Vacation rental demand was up 10% from 2025.

Following the committee’s recommendation, the authority approved Ryan Appleton, owner of Lazy Tiger Hostel, to serve on the Legacy Investment from Tourism (LIFT) Fund Committee. 

The authority also approved the LIFT Fund Committee's recommendation to award $600,000 for the annual maintenance and updates of the Explore Asheville Wayfinding System next fiscal year. The system includes a comprehensive network of more than 400 signs designed to guide residents and visitors safely and seamlessly through Buncombe County’s neighborhoods, attractions, and key destinations.

The Finance Committee and Explore Asheville staff developed a $34.5 million net lodging tax forecast, representing a gross revenue forecast of $36.3 million, minus the Buncombe County administrative fee of $1.8 million. This forecast, based on revenue projections provided by Tourism Economics in March, is 6.2% above last year’s $32.5 million tax revenue forecast.

The lodging tax revenue is split with two-thirds, or $23 million, going to the operating budget, and the remaining third split evenly between the two project funds, the Tourism Product Development Fund (TPDF) and the LIFT Fund, at $5.8 million each. This September, $12.6 million is projected for the LIFT Fund grant cycle, while $15.7 million is estimated for the 2027 TPDF grant cycle. Combining $4.1 million from fund balance with the $23 million in net lodging tax revenue balances the proposed FY27 operating budget of $27.1 million.

The authority will vote to approve the FY27 budget in compliance with state legislation at the June 24 board meeting. Public comments are welcome at the meeting, whether in person or virtually.

The Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) contributes nearly $3.9 billion in economic impact to the region annually, supporting nearly 22,500 jobs, $1.1 billion in personal income, and $325 million in state and local taxes.

AVL Achieved 11 Record Demand Years in the Last 25 Years

2023, 2024, and 2025 witnessed the most demand despite Hurricane Helene. Total daily passengers grew more than 160% from 1,067 in 2015 to 2,797 in 2025. The top five feeder markets more than 500 miles from AVL were Miami, FL; New York City, NY; Tampa, FL; Washington D.C.; and Orlando, FL. Chicago, IL; Jacksonville, FL; Cincinnati, OH; Philadelphia, PA; and Norfolk, VA round out the top 10.

7,000 Daily Trips to Asheville Over the Last 12 Months from Outside the Region

Since 2015, AVL's demand in the top 25 markets has more than doubled. AVL's largest three unserved direct-flight markets are long-haul West Coast markets: SFO, LAX, and SEA.

Seat capacity returned this past fall/winter, rebounding after Hurricane Helene. Eight gates are now operational in the new north concourse, and overnight aircraft parking capacity has increased.

AVL Forward Terminal Expansion and Roadway Improvements

AVL Forward represents the largest infrastructure investment in the airport's history, with milestones arriving steadily. This expansion includes future roadway circulation improvements, terminal gate expansion north, DPS facility relocation, and inland port development.

Phase I Projects Completed:

• Central energy plant complete
• June 11, 2025 | New ticket lobby
• June 25, 2025 | New North Concourse and temporary TSA security checkpoint
• April 15, 2026 | Partial baggage claim expansion
• May 20, 2026 | New rental car facility

Phase Two Projects Currently Underway:

• New FAA Air Traffic Control Tower—operations began May 18, 2026
• Permanent TSA security checkpoint
• Completion of the baggage claim
• Grand lobby
• South ticket lobby
• Second-level concessions plaza
• New south concourse

The new terminal is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.

Join nearly 200 community partners in the Barrel Room at Wicked Weed Funkatorium on Monday, June 1, 3:30–5:30 p.m. for a Partner Social focused on the Biltmore Championship Asheville.

What You’ll Learn:

• Key dates, including ticket sales and what to expect in the months ahead
• Opportunities to get involved, from volunteering and Birdies for Charity to Beer Garden and on-site activations
• Ways to align your business through sponsorship, hospitality, and engagement opportunities
• How this event can support visibility, growth, and community impact

Light bites and beverages will be served. Spots are limited.

Occupancy tax payments are moving to a new system. Explore Asheville is coordinating with Buncombe County Tax Collections to bring you a short, informative webinar on upcoming changes to the online occupancy tax portal.

Join us for the free webinar Thursday, June 4, at 2 p.m., where county representatives will walk you through the changes, demonstrate the new system, and answer your questions.

What to expect:

• Background on why the payment system is changing and when it takes effect
• A live demonstration of the new NCPTS taxpayer portal
• How online payments and fee structures are changing with new payment partner PayIt
• Q&A with a Buncombe County Tax representative

This is an opportunity to get ahead of the transition, see the new system before it launches, and ask questions directly to the county team.

Explore Asheville, the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority, River Front Development Group, and Mountain Housing Opportunities invite you to the unveiling of the second public art installation of Phase II of the Asheville Black Cultural Heritage Trail.

Join us Friday, June 5, 1:30–3 p.m., at 372 Depot Street for the debut of Black Boy Joy, a new interpretive mural along the trail’s River Area section. This is the second of three murals planned for Phase II, with the third mural planned for a downtown location.

Festivities will take place at the south-facing wall of 372 Depot Street, directly across from Local Cloth, featuring remarks from project partners and muralist Tommy Lee McGee, and sweet treats from Sunshine Sammies.

No registration is required. Parking is available at Depot Street parking lot.

MORE INFORMATION & NEXT MEETING OF BCTDA

Find documents from the May 27 board meeting HERE >>

THE NEXT BCTDA BOARD MEETING
Wednesday, June 24 | 9–11 a.m.
Explore Asheville | 27 College Place
Details to be posted HERE >>

Delivering Balanced 
& Sustainable Growth

Encouraging Safe & Responsible Travel 

Engaging & Inviting More Diverse Audiences

Promoting & Supporting Asheville's
Creative Spirit