Businesses reliant on tourism and hospitality in Buncombe County are projected to post Helene-related revenue losses up to 70% in the final quarter of 2024, leaders said Thursday.
Tourism Development Authority President and CEO Vic Isley detailed the expected fourth-quarter losses for the travel and hospitality industries during the group’s monthly meeting on Thursday.
“That means about $585 million for our local economy,” Isley said. “And that means less revenue for our local businesses, wages for our residents and ultimately tax revenues for our government partners.”
The meeting was the group’s second since Helene tore through Western North Carolina in late September.
Even while much…
