Tourism authority reports record occupancy, asks commissioners to back Blue Ridge Parkway recovery plan

Ed Phillips, chief executive officer of the Western Piedmont Tourism Development Authority, told the Board of Commissioners the authority is in a strong financial position and asked the board to endorse a resolution supporting repairs and strategic recovery along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Phillips reported cash assets of $837,671.13 as of Dec. 31 and said occupancy tax collections set records in October and November after Hurricane Helene, with December collections also expected to be high. He said hotels in the county remained busy with contract workers, railroad repair crews and leisure travelers. "October set a new all time record for occupancy tax collection in Burke County. November was also an all time record," Phillips said.

Phillips described heavy damage to Linville Falls Visitor Center and nearby park facilities, reading the Parkway statement that the Linville Falls Visitor Center "was heavily damaged and considered a total loss" and that portions of the area and nearby campground may remain closed through 2025. He said the resolution he presented to the board is supportive only and does not request county funding; it asks elected officials to back funding and strategic implementation of the Blue Ridge Rising Action Plan and related repairs.

Phillips also shared operational metrics: the average daily hotel rate in Burke County was about $111 in 2024, up roughly 10% from 2023, and visitor center walk‑in traffic rebounded in December and January after storm‑related declines. The resolution and the tourism financial report were left on the agenda for the regular meeting.