News

Edwards appointed to state Tourism Board

By Bill Moss, Published: December 13, 2018

State Sen. Chuck Edwards, who represents three tourism-rich counties, has been appointed to the North Carolina Travel and Tourism Board.

"Travel and Tourism is vital to all of North Carolina, especially the three counties in District 48,"  Edwards said. "I am excited to have a more integrated role in this important work and to have the opportunity to help our counties continue to grow in the area of travel and tourism."

The North Carolina Travel & Tourism Board promotes development of the travel and tourism industry in North Carolina. Created in 1991, the board advises the Secretary of Commerce on policy matters related to tourism promotion in North Carolina. Among other duties it:

• Recommends programs that will promote the state as a travel and tourism destination.
• Advises the Secretary on the effectiveness of tourism marketing agencies contracting with the N.C. Department of Commerce.
• Promotes the exchange of ideas and information on travel and tourism between state and local government agencies, private organization and individuals.

Henderson County is the third fastest growing county in tourism with a revenue increase of $12 million in 2017. Buncombe County tourism generated more than $368 million in tax revenue in 2017, and more than 27,000 jobs are supported by the industry. Transylvania County visitors spent $94.62 million in 2016, an increase of 6.5 percent from 2015 and one of the highest percentage increases in the state.