BUNCOMBE COUNTY TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY INVITES APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2024 TOURISM PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT FUND GRANT CYCLE

The Tourism Product Development Fund is made possible solely through lodging taxes paid by overnight visitors staying in hotels, vacation rentals, and bed-and-breakfasts in Buncombe County

The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA) invites Buncombe County-based non-profit and government organizations to submit applications to this year’s Tourism Product Development Fund (TPDF) cycle. TPDF was created to provide financial assistance through grants, loan guarantees, or pledges of debt service to major tourism capital projects that will increase patronage of lodging properties and further economic development in Buncombe County.

Since the fund’s inception in 2001, the BCTDA has provided more than $86 million through 64 investments in 41 community projects. Funded projects have included support for greenways, parks, public art, sports and recreation facilities, cultural heritage institutions, and other family attractions. A list of all TPDF investments can be found here.

The Tourism Product Development Fund is derived from one-third of the lodging tax paid by visitors who stay overnight in Buncombe County in commercial lodging facilities, including hotels, vacation rentals, and bed-and-breakfast inns. The BCTDA estimates $9 million will be available for TPDF investments this year.

TPDF 2024 Cycle Schedule 

• April 15 | TPDF Phase 1 Application Opens
• April 17 | TPDF Information Session 
• May 15 | TPDF Phase I Application Closes
• June 12 | Phase I Applicants Notified and Invited to Phase II
• August 16 | Phase II Application Closes
• Week of September 2 | Project Presentations
• Week of September 15 | Project Site Visits 
• October 30 | Funding Recommendations Presented to BCTDA Board

Register for the 2024 TPDF Info Session on April 17

More information on the TPDF grant process, evaluation criteria, and FAQs can be found in the Program Guidelines. The BCTDA will also host an information session on April 17, 3:30–5 p.m. at Explore Asheville’s offices located at 27 College Place.