Asheville and towns across Western North Carolina recently suffered major devastation from Hurricane Helene, but our community has proven extremely resilient in this troubling time. As we rebuild our city, we’ve begun to focus on how we can stimulate the local economy again. The timing of the hurricane caused tourism to halt this fall during what would’ve been peak travel time.
Typically, fall is our busiest travel season, and tourism accounts for a large chunk of Asheville’s revenue—in 2023, our city garnered 12.5 million visitors and nearly $3 billion in revenue from those visitors. Of course, those numbers were not possible in 2024, but we’re here to encourage ethical travel to Asheville following Hurricane Helene.
Asheville wasn’t always the tourism magnet it has been in recent years. That $3 billion spending in 2023 grew from just over $1 billion in 2007 and has steadily grown from around $80 million in the 1980s. So there’s hope–we’ve built up our tourism before, and we’ll do it again! Local tourism helps support the restaurants, art galleries, boutiques, and music venues that make Asheville the creative haven that it is, and it supports one out of seven jobs in Buncombe County.
All that being said, it’s safe to say tourism is pivotal to Asheville’s local economy. So, how can you ethically travel to Asheville in the wake of Hurricane Helene?
Tourism Re-opens in Asheville
Good news! Tourism officially reopened in Asheville on November 1. Of course, not every business will be open, and there’s still a lot of work to do to recover, but you can feel assured that it is okay, and highly encouraged, for you to visit us right now. Just make sure you are respectful and follow our tips to travel ethically to Asheville.
The Biltmore Estate reopened on November 2, just in time for the holiday season. This was a huge glimmer of hope for the city, as the Biltmore is one of our biggest tourist draws. America’s largest home (really—the estate is over 8,000 acres!) is officially open for tours and its annual holiday events! Some of the grounds were damaged, but the Biltmore house remained unscathed. If you’re planning a holiday getaway, you can still celebrate the holidays at the Biltmore!
Support Local Businesses
The theme of this blog post is going to be local, local, local. Supporting local businesses is truly the name of the game. Many businesses faced physical damage from the hurricane, and virtually all of the businesses here have suffered substantial financial losses. It makes sense; when people aren’t physically here, they’re not spending money—whether it be on food, beer, or local art. So now that tourism is opening up again, we must do our due diligence to support these businesses.
What Businesses Are Open In Asheville?
We’ve outlined some restaurants, breweries, and attractions that are open for business on our updates page, but Explore Asheville is also a great resource for discovering what businesses have reopened so far. You can even search by area or category to find specific businesses to visit and support. !
Events Supporting Asheville’s Local Economy:
Rebuild River Arts District Market
The River Arts District was one of our areas that suffered tremendous loss. Help these artists get back on their feet by supporting them at this rebuilding market hosted by the Grey Eagle! The market will run every Saturday through December 21. Get your holiday shopping done here while supporting these hardworking local artists! Despite the devastation, The River Arts District, like all of Asheville, is highly encouraging people to visit. As the President of the River Arts District said, “If people are here visiting, we're going to need them to come to the RAD. We want you to come by, say hi, and maybe buy some art.”
Book Your Stay in Asheville Directly with Greybeard Rentals
Featured Rental: Sunset Haven on Lake James 5 Bed 4 Bath Rental on Lake James
Thank you for supporting our local economy and thinking about how you can ethically travel to Asheville in such a difficult time. We appreciate you being conscious about your travel and playing an active role in helping our city recover!
We at Greybeard Rentals have experienced the same revenue loss as the rest of the city. Fall, especially around the holidays, is our busiest time of year, but we’ve (understandably) seen a massive decline in bookings in 2024. That’s where you come in. Support another local business (and Asheville homeowners) when you book a vacation rental directly with Greybeard Rentals!
Many of our vacation rentals are in unaffected areas of Asheville or Western North Carolina regions like Lake James, and our team is working hard to fill these homes for our Asheville homeowners! The allure of an Asheville holiday is calling—will you answer? Explore the amazing things to do in Asheville, including activities like hiking that are now back in full force since the hurricane.
Now’s the time to help support the local economy when you ethically travel to Asheville. Greybeard Rentals is here to help if you have any questions. With our broad range of rentals, including pet-friendly rentals, cabins with hot tubs, and units with incredible mountain views, you’re sure to find a home you love.
Our dedicated Reservations team is also here to help you find the perfect Asheville vacation rental to fit your needs. Browse our available rentals now, and book your stay in Asheville directly with Greybeard Rentals!
