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Tourism stays strong in Burke County after storm recovery; TDA reports boosted revenues and hotel demand
Summary
The Burke County Tourism Development Authority reported record-level room demand and strong occupancy since late September, prompting a budget increase and planned new lodging development; the TDA said recovery-related stays and long-term visitors are driving sustained revenue.
The Burke County Tourism Development Authority told commissioners on Monday that tourism revenue and hotel demand remain strong following recovery work after the Sept. 28 storm.
Ed Phillips, representing the TDA, said cash on hand for the TDA was $957,806 as of March 31, and the authority recently increased its budget to $1.4 million to reflect stronger-than-expected revenue. Phillips said September's storm initially paused tourism, but demand recovered and then exceeded prior levels; since the storm, occupancy has often been above available supply.
Phillips said recovery-related workers and contractors have contributed to stays across the county and that some FEMA-housed guests and recovery staff have used local hotels. He reported that MRI Hotel Group of Charlotte plans to begin construction later this year on a 91-room Home2 Suites near I-40 Exit 105; the development targets extended-stay visitors but will serve general hotel demand.
Recent events such as a large wedding weekend and a Ukulele Festival with more than 100 participants brought visitors from across the U.S., Phillips said. The TDA also has increased capital-account investments to earn more interest now that it has a surplus. Phillips cautioned that some recovery-driven demand may decline over time but that the county has seen sustained boosts in revenue since the recovery phase.
Commissioners asked about Blue Ridge Parkway reopening and local trail access; Phillips said many Parkway sections remain closed and that local park and trail reopenings vary by site. He urged commissioners to contact the TDA for more detailed site-status information.
The TDA's update will remain on the consent agenda for the regular meeting.
