News Summary
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein is promoting tourism recovery in Asheville following Hurricane Helene’s damage. His visit highlights the state’s initiative ‘Remember the Unforgettable,’ encouraging tourists to recognize the ongoing recovery efforts in local areas including the River Arts District. Despite challenges, many businesses are reopening, and local officials are investing in marketing campaigns to attract visitors again. Business owners express optimism for the upcoming months, emphasizing the need for community support to stabilize the local economy.
Asheville, North Carolina – North Carolina Governor Josh Stein is spending the week in western North Carolina to promote tourism recovery following the damage caused by Hurricane Helene. The governor’s visit is part of the state’s “Remember the Unforgettable” initiative, which aims to reshape public perceptions about the area and highlight its ongoing recovery efforts.
The initiative encourages tourists to view the region not just through the lens of flood damage but to recognize that recovery is actively taking place. Governor Stein initiated his tour by visiting the newly constructed concourse at Asheville Regional Airport, which typically serves about 2 million passengers annually.
The River Arts District, a vital hub for local artists and a significant contributor to the tourism economy, has been notably affected by the storm. Jeffrey Burroughs, the district’s president, reported that many local businesses continue facing substantial revenue losses, earning between 50% and 80% less compared to pre-hurricane figures. He highlighted that misconceptions circulating on social media have contributed to a muddled perception regarding the district’s accessibility.
Despite these challenges, Burroughs pointed out that nearly half of the artists in the district have resumed operations, demonstrating resilience and a shared commitment to recovery within the community. North Carolina Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley emphasized the local economy’s reliance on tourism, noting that it supports approximately 50,000 small businesses statewide.
As part of his campaign to boost tourism awareness, Governor Stein plans visits to Nantahala National Forest and Transylvania County. This outreach aims to capitalize on regions with high natural beauty and attractions. Business owners in Henderson County, including Timothy Parks from Marked Tree Vineyard, expressed strong hope for a return of tourism, particularly in October, a traditionally busy month for the area. Parks has appealed to visitors to help stabilize the local community by supporting small businesses during this recovery phase.
Danielle Stepps McCall, owner of Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard, indicated that while her orchard suffered less damage than others, the road conditions have hindered touristic access. In a collaborative effort to alleviate losses, she has partnered with Parks to sell her products at his vineyard. Both anticipate that the months of October, November, and December could be ideal for attracting visitors to Henderson County.
Statistics indicate that Asheville recorded over 186,000 hotel bookings in March, reflecting a return to levels comparable to previous years. This positive trend suggests a gradual rebound in the tourism sector post-Hurricane Helene. Local officials are further bolstering these recovery efforts by investing in advertising campaigns targeting cities such as Raleigh, Durham, and Charlotte to lure visitors back.
Additionally, Chris Pelrine, a vacation rental owner, expressed optimism regarding the recovery initiatives spearheaded by federal and city efforts. However, various business owners continue to grapple with challenges. Dylan and Nicole Tatum, who run Grandfather Vineyard, reported ongoing struggles, including a reduced customer base and severe impacts from winter weather on their operations. They have faced difficulties accessing federal assistance needed for infrastructure repairs due to flood damage affecting access routes to their vineyard.
The business community in the region is actively calling for more visitors to support recovery efforts, reinforcing that the majority of attractions are open for business once again. As the area moves forward, the resilience of its residents, coupled with governmental support, aims to pave a successful path for revitalization in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
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Additional Resources
- WCNC: NC Gov. Stein Shares New Tourism Recovery Plan
- ABC11: Asheville Tourism May Be Bouncing Back
- Spectrum Local News: Asheville Business Owners After Helene
- Travel and Tour World: Asheville Faces Slow Tourism Recovery
- Google Search: Asheville North Carolina Tourism Recovery
- Wikipedia: Tourism in North Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
