Haywood County's Tourism Industry Sees Record-Breaking Recovery
In a remarkable turnaround from the setbacks caused by Hurricane Helene, Haywood County is celebrating historically high occupancy room tax collections for October and November 2025. These months have seen collections surpassing not only those from the previous year, which suffered due to the storm, but also every year on record, marking a significant resurgence in tourism.
A Note of Optimism
The Haywood County Tourism Development Authority (TDA) views these impressive figures as a positive indicator of the area's recovery. According to data, room tax collections soared to the highest levels ever recorded for these months, highlighting the resilience of the county’s tourism sector and its significance to local businesses.
Impact on Local Businesses
This increase in tourism is critical, as it directly supports many small businesses that depend on seasonal visitors to thrive through the winter months. Jim Owens, chairman of the TDA, expressed his optimism, stating, “That’s huge, after what we went through and the fear of people not coming. It’s very positive.” The data indicates a rise of 77% in occupancy tax collections for October and a 20% increase for November compared to previous figures.
Looking Ahead
Despite the positive trends, some uncertainties remain. While rising hotel and rental rates may have played a role in the tax collection increases, the TDA maintains that the growth reflects a broader recovery pattern in tourism activity. As the year progresses, TDA officials are hopeful for sustained interest in Haywood County's scenic offerings, which have historically drawn visitors during the fall.
As plans develop to analyze December's collections, local leaders remain focused on building momentum through collaborative community efforts. “Fingers crossed that that trend continues,” said Corrina Ruffieux, executive director of the TDA. This sentiment encapsulates the shared hope for a robust tourist season that not only rebounds but flourishes in the coming months.
