Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority Last updated or reviewed on March 29, 2023 The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority is a public authority created by state law and subject to North Carolina state statute. Its members also serve as directors of a non-profit entity that employs the staff of Explore Asheville. Members of the Authority administer the proceeds of the occupancy tax within the legislative mandate of the legislation that established the tax. The BCTDA’s purpose is to further the development of travel, tourism, meetings and events in the county through marketing, advertising, sales and promotion. The authority also administers the Tourism Product Development Fund (TPDF) and Legacy Investment from Tourism Fund (LIFT). The Authority consists of 11 members: Six (6) owners or operators of hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, or vacation rental management companies, four of which own or operate hotels, motels, or bed and breakfasts, with more than 100 rental units, two of whom shall be appointed by the Asheville City Council and two by the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners; and one of which owns or operates hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, or vacation rental management companies, with 100 or fewer rental units, who shall be appointed by the Asheville City Council; and one of which owns or operates hotels, motels, or bed and breakfasts with 100 or fewer rental units, who shall be appointed by the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners. Three (3) individuals actively involved in the tourist business who have participated in tourism promotion, appointed as follows: One (1) vacation rental owner or vacation rental management company owner appointed by the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners; One (1) executive from a ticketed tourist attraction appointed by the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce; and One (1) restaurant owner, owner of a brewery, distillery, or winery open for tours or tastings, or executive director of a ticketed arts organization appointed by the Asheville City Council. One (1) member of City Council (who is an ex-officio non-voting member); and one (1) member of the Buncombe County Commissioners (who is an ex-officio non-voting member). Regular Scheduled Meetings The 2022-2023 Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority Board Meeting Schedule For more information and meeting updates, please visit the website for ExploreAsheville or contact Julia Simpson.