Haywood County's Tourism Industry Bounces Back with Record Tax Collections!
In a notable turnaround for Haywood County's tourism industry, occupancy room tax collections have reached unprecedented levels in October and November 2025. The Haywood County Tourism Development Authority (TDA) has reported that these months not only exceeded the depressed figures from 2024 but also set new records, indicating a robust recovery from the aftereffects of the Helene weather event.
Record-Breaking Numbers Signal Renewed Optimism
The occupancy room tax for overnight lodging, a crucial metric for gauging tourist traffic, surged significantly, with October collections reportedly showing a 77% increase and November collections up by 20% compared to the previous year. Jim Owens, the chair of the Haywood County TDA, expressed his delight at the figures, highlighting the vital role tourism plays in supporting local businesses during the fall season: “That’s huge, after what we went through and the fear of people not coming. It’s very positive,” he stated at a recent board meeting.
Understanding the Recovery Factors
The increase in room tax collections not only reflects a rebound for tourists but also emphasizes the collective efforts of the community to revitalize the tourism sector. Comparing previous year's statistics reveals a stark contrast; the 2024 figures were starkly lower because of Helene’s impact. While October 2024 saw an occupancy tax drop of 43% from 2023, the current year's performance indicates a strong recovery and a hopeful outlook for the future.
Looking Ahead: Sustained Growth Expected
The TDA anticipates receiving occupancy tax numbers for December 2025 soon, which will provide further insights into the continuing trends. Although some experts caution that rising accommodation rates may partially explain the tax bump, improvements well above averages make it clear that more tourists are visiting less dependent on increased pricing.
As the local community and businesses rally together, the positivity surrounding Haywood County's tourism industry recovery is palpable. A collaborative approach to enhancing tourism will be crucial moving forward, as many small businesses rely on this peak season to sustain operations throughout the year. The signs point towards a vibrant future for Haywood County, making it an exciting time to experience the area's offerings.
