The new order, which will take effect at 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 26, orders “all individuals anywhere in Buncombe County to stay at home,” with limited exceptions for essential activities, through 6 a.m. Thursday, April 9.
Buncombe suspects local community transmission of COVID-19
Unlike other local instances of the disease caused by the new coronavirus, explained Dr. Jennifer Mullendore, county health workers had been unable to trace at least two cases to a specific source — suggesting that the infection is spreading within the county at large.
Barren City
ASHEVILLE, N.C.
Commission to vote on COVID-19 emergency funding March 17
The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners will hear an update on the local status of COVID-19, then consider a $250,000 appropriation to provide funding for the county’s emergency response. Of that money, $200,000 would be available to the county’s public safety efforts, while $50,000 would be allocated to human services.
Mounting Obstacles Challenge
ASHEVILLE, N.C.
Newman, local hoteliers split on occupancy tax changes
“The good news — if you’re someone who wants to see the hotel tax law changed — is that all parties seem to be in agreement,” Newman told Xpress. “They want to see the law changed, but at this point, we’re not on the same page about how to change it.”
Ashes to Asheville
ASHEVILLE, N.C.
News in brief: Go Local Week announced; hotel policies recommended by land use experts
Representatives from the Urban Land Institute shared their recommendations during a Jan. 30 community meeting to aim to help city officials manage hotel development in wake of the one-year hotel moratorium.
TDA increases ad budget by $1M
As presidential hopefuls blitz the airwaves over the coming months to hook undecided voters, the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority will be stepping up its own campaign. The authority’s board voted to increase its spring and summer advertising budget by $1 million, for a total of $12.65 million, during a Jan. 29 meeting. “We considered […]
News in brief: Police chief, HCA monitor announces community meetings
Jones previously worked as the emergency services director in Anderson County, S.C., for almost 12 years and replaces outgoing Emergency Services Director Jerry VeHaun, who announced his retirement in December after serving in that role since 1972.
New Asheville hotels tap local talent to raise the bar for on-site dining
Luxury hotels in many metropolitan tourist destinations are known for restaurant concepts that bank on high-profile celebrity chefs. But Asheville hotels, while pushing the parameters of standard hotel dining, are taking a different approach.
All An Elk Trick
ASHEVILLE, N.C.
A Variety of A Tax
ASHEVILLE, N.C.
Cold Turkey
ASHEVILLE, N.C.
On the defensive: TDA board members react to criticism
“In my opinion, there are no problems with the TDA. The problems lie elsewhere,” said Vice Chair Himanshu Karvir during the tourism authority’s Nov. 20 meeting. “The problem lies with individuals that have nothing to do with our industry and have no idea how hotels operate, how the TDA operates and what the occupancy tax does for our community.”
Community Growth
ASHEVILLE, N.C.
Transylvania County Tourism funds environmental conservation
In 2017, the county’s tourism board launched the Transylvania Always initiative, which has since invested thousands of occupancy tax dollars into everything from hiking trail restoration to French Broad River cleanup. “I really don’t know of anywhere else, particularly anywhere else of our small size, that is doing anything similar,” says Clark Lovelace, the TCT’s executive director.
We’re full!
ASHEVILLE, N.C.
In photos: Biltmore Estate raises Christmas tree
Days of pouring rain yielded to bright sun just in time for the Nov. 1 ceremony to begin the Christmas season at Biltmore House.
TDA approves $100,000 for Chow Chow festival
Last year, the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority contributed $75,000 to Chow Chow through its event development incubator fund. Planning is underway for the festival’s second year, which has a projected budget of $700,000. The event is tentatively scheduled for Thursday-Sunday, Sept. 10-13, with final dates to be confirmed in November.
Residents weigh tourism positives, negatives in new survey
A survey released from the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority reveals a mixture of attitudes concerning tourism from residents.