Impact of Hurricane Helene on Asheville’s Tourism Industry

News Summary

Hurricane Helene has severely affected Asheville’s tourism sector, causing a 33% drop in short-term rental occupancy and 43% decline in guest check-ins. As recovery efforts begin, the overall tourism economy in North Carolina reached record highs, reflecting resilience despite the challenges. Local businesses are organizing initiatives to support recovery, as thousands of jobs rely on this pivotal industry. The region is also facing long-term impacts of the natural disaster and hopes to strengthen its tourism landscape moving forward.

Asheville

The tourism industry in Western North Carolina, a significant economic driver that generates billions of dollars annually, has been severely impacted by Hurricane Helene. Following the hurricane, there was a staggering 33% drop in short-term rental occupancy and a 43% decline in guest check-ins. Recovery efforts are now underway as the region grapples with the longer-term economic ramifications of this natural disaster.

Despite the challenges faced by Western North Carolina’s tourism sector, the overall tourism economy in North Carolina set a record in 2024. Travelers’ spending surpassed $36.7 billion, highlighting the resilience of the state’s tourism as a whole. The tourism industry supports nearly $3 billion in annual spending in the Asheville area alone, which sustains approximately 30,000 jobs throughout the region.

Visitor-generated taxes are vital for local residents, saving them about $2,600 annually and contributing roughly 20% of Buncombe County’s overall tax revenues. However, looking ahead, expectations around summer rentals have dipped, with demand projected to fall by 28% from January to March compared to the previous year. This decline is primarily associated with the significant drop in demand for vacation rentals, even as the hotel sector has maintained stable occupancy levels when compared to 2023.

The recovery of tourism in the wake of Hurricane Helene is crucial, particularly given that an estimated 29,000 jobs in the region depend on this sector. Local businesses, including The Lazy Tiger Hostel and New Origin Brewing, have reported devastating impacts from the hurricane, with many suffering from destroyed infrastructure and loss of clientele.

Hurricane Helene unleashed severe weather upon the region, dropping more than 30 inches of rain, which resulted in flooding of low-lying neighborhoods and significant damage to power lines and local water systems. By mid-October, 95% of residents in Asheville had restored access to running water, although a boil advisory was still in effect for all households. Many neighborhoods, such as downtown and West Asheville, experienced only minimal damage, allowing several local restaurants and venues to resume operations, including the renowned James Beard award-winning restaurant Cúrate.

The Biltmore estate, despite sustaining minimal damage, plans to reopen on November 2 for the Christmas season. However, not all sectors have fared as well; the River Arts District endured substantial losses, with around 80% of artist-owned studios and galleries reportedly destroyed. Moreover, the entire Blue Ridge Parkway faced damage that impacted 469 miles of its length, resulting in multiple landslides. Interstate 40 also faced partial closures due to these landslides, affecting both travel and commerce in the area.

In the immediate aftermath of the storm, the Asheville Regional Airport saw a 50% drop in passenger traffic. However, airport officials are optimistic that traffic will return to the previous year’s numbers by summer 2025 as the tourism recovery picks up steam.

Community initiatives are being organized to reinforce local businesses, with fundraising events encouraging support and aid. With the focus on long-term recovery, both residents and the tourism economy are being prioritized, underscoring the importance of supporting local artists in maintaining Asheville’s appeal as a tourist destination. As recovery efforts continue, the region hopes to rebuild and strengthen its tourism industry, enabling it to withstand future challenges.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Asheville Tourism Industry Urges Travelers to Return
Severe Storms Cause Chaos in Asheville and Beyond
North Carolina Housing Market Faces Price Declines
Asheville’s Robin Raines Commits to Pro Bono Design Work
Asheville Eighth-Graders Propose Revitalization Plans for River Arts District
Asheville Secures $225 Million for Disaster Recovery
Supreme Court Examines Birthright Citizenship Policy
Asheville Advances Infrastructure Recovery Post-Hurricane Helene
Tropical Storm Helene Devastates Small Farms in Western North Carolina
Asheville Named Most Charming Small City in North Carolina

Additional Resources

Author: HERE Asheville

HERE Asheville

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