About the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority

The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA) has been a catalyst for economic growth in Asheville, Buncombe County, and Western North Carolina for more than 40 years.

Established in 1983 by an act of the North Carolina Legislature, the BCTDA oversees the collection and investment of occupancy taxes paid by visitors who stay in commercial lodging, such as hotels and motels, bed and breakfast operations, and vacation rentals such as Airbnb and VRBOs. The BCTDA board has a fiduciary responsibility to ensure that these visitor-paid tax dollars are spent according to the governing legislation.

Eleven volunteers, appointed according to legislative criteria, serve on the BCTDA Board of Directors to ensure the effective use of the occupancy tax for Buncombe County residents.

The BCTDA oversees Explore Asheville's efforts to attract visitors to the area. They also support community vitality initiatives, such as the Tourism Product Development Fund (TPDF), the Legacy Investment from Tourism (LIFT) Fund, and the Festivals & Cultural Events Support Fund, which provide grants for community-led capital projects and events.