The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority, operating as Explore Asheville, has released updated figures on the region’s economic rebound one year after Hurricane Helene struck western North Carolina. The data, shared in a newsletter dated September 17, highlights efforts to assess business recovery and support tourism revival. n nIn response to the storm, Explore Asheville initiated a tracking system to monitor which partner businesses had reopened or remained closed, aiming to guide travelers with thoughtful planning and empathy. n nCiting the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the report notes that historically, 40 percent of small enterprises fail to reopen following a major disaster, and within twelve months, another quarter cease operations. n nHowever, the current recovery outlook is more positive: 87.8 percent of the organization’s affiliated businesses are now operational and receiving guests. Only 2.7 percent remain temporarily shut, with many indicating intentions to resume activities in the near future. n nExplore Asheville emphasized that these statistics represent not just business status updates, but also the broader narrative of community strength amid persistent difficulties. n n”As we mark this milestone, we’re grateful for how far we’ve come together while recognizing that the road ahead requires continued care, support, and partnership,” the organization stated. n— news from WLOS
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Explore Asheville announces new data on economic recovery a year after Helene
The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority ‘s Explore Asheville has announced new data on economic recovery a year after Hurricane Helene hit western North Carolina, according to a Sept. 17 newsletter from Explore Asheville. n nExplore Asheville says its team began tracking reopenings and closures of partner businesses to monitor economic recovery and help visitors return with patience, planning, and heart. n nAccording to the newsletter, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) estimates that 40% of small businesses never reopen after a natural disaster, and within one year, an additional 25% of small businesses shut down. n nThe newsletter says 87.8% of Explore Asheville ‘s partners are open and welcoming visitors, with only 2.7% of businesses temporarily closed and many with plans to reopen soon. n nExplore Asheville says these numbers not only reflect its Buncombe County partner businesses, but they also tell the story of resilience and ongoing challenges. n n”As we mark this milestone, we ‘re grateful for how far we ‘ve come together while recognizing that the road ahead requires continued care, support, and partnership,” Explore Asheville said in the newsletter.