Haywood County's Tourism Boom: A Bright Recovery Story

In a resounding testament to resilience, Haywood County is witnessing a remarkable rebound in its tourism sector in 2025. Notably, the occupancy room tax collections for October and November have soared to unprecedented heights, marking the highest figures recorded in the county's history. This surge represents a significant recovery from the challenges posed by Hurricane Helene, which deeply impacted the area’s vital tourism industry.

Record-Breaking Tax Collections

According to the Haywood County Tourism Development Authority (TDA), last October's tax collections were reported to be 77% higher compared to the same month in the previous year, coupled with a 20% increase for November. Jim Owens, the chair of the TDA, expressed his optimism at a recent board meeting: “That’s huge, after what we went through and the fear of people not coming. It’s very positive." This sentiment underscores the robust recovery the county is experiencing, especially as local businesses largely depend on the fall tourism season for their annual revenue.

The Significance of the Recovery

The resurgence in room tax collections is more than just numbers; it reflects a revitalized spirit among local businesses and a renewed trust among visitors. The TDA utilizes the occupancy room tax—a 4% levy on hotel and short-term rental bookings—as a fundamental metric for gauging tourist traffic in Haywood County. By tracking trends over time, the TDA can glean important insights into tourism patterns, which are vital for planning future promotions and events.

Looking Ahead

While the second half of 2025 has brought encouraging results, the TDA is cautious about the future. There are still questions regarding inflation's potential impact on accommodation prices and how that might affect tourism dynamics moving forward. However, the overall tone remains optimistic with executive director Corrina Ruffieux stating, “The news is super positive. Fingers crossed that trend continues.” She emphasized the collective effort required from the entire community to sustain this positive trajectory.

As we await further updates on December's occupancy figures, the early months of 2026 are critical for maintaining this upward trend in tourism. The industry’s recovery not only stands as a beacon of hope for Haywood County but also illustrates the community’s resilience and dedication to overcoming adversity.