Tourism in Asheville and Buncombe County faces a triple threat in April 2026: recovery from Hurricane Helene, active wildfires, and contrasting budget priorities. These challenges complicate efforts to revitalize the tourism sector, which is still recovering from the hurricane that struck a year and a half ago. The Buncombe County Department of Tourism has received $34.5 million in lodging tax revenue. The department plans to use the funds to boost marketing and promotion, as well as invest in t