Buncombe County -- August 14, 2026: Domestic and international travelers spent $2.6 billion in Buncombe County during 2025, solidifying the area's position as the third-largest tourism economy in North Carolina, according to the annual study released by Visit North Carolina and prepared by Tourism Economics.
The latest figures highlight both the endurance and ongoing recovery of Western North Carolina’s hospitality and small business community following Tropical Storm Helene in late 2024.
Visitor Spending: Direct tourism expenditures reached $2.6 billion in 2025, trailing only Mecklenburg and Wake counties statewide.
Tax Generation: Travel activity produced $113 million in state taxes and approximately $102 million in local tax revenues through occupancy, sales, and property taxes.
Taxpayer Relief: Buncombe County residents saved an estimated $764 per capita in state and local taxes due to visitor spending, well above the statewide average savings of $244 per resident.
Year-Over-Year Trends: Spending saw a modest 2% adjustment from 2024 totals ($2.65 billion), closely aligning with 2021 levels as local shops, lodging, and restaurants navigated storm recovery.
Statewide Performance: Across North Carolina, total visitor spending rose 1.3% to a record $37.2 billion, supporting 230,997 direct jobs and $9.8 billion in payroll.
Regional Recovery: The numbers underscore the essential role of local artists, independent merchants, restaurants, and outdoor guides in driving Buncombe County’s ongoing economic rebound.
For more regional news, local business features, and ongoing community coverage across Western North Carolina, visit wnctimes.
Source:
Visit North Carolina (Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina)
Tourism Economics (The Economic Impact of Travel on North Carolina Counties 2025)
Explore Asheville & Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority (BCTDA)