ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority’s Explore Asheville has announced new data on economic recovery a year after Hurricane Helene hit western North Carolina, according to a Sept. 17 newsletter from Explore Asheville.
Explore Asheville says its team began tracking reopenings and closures of partner businesses to monitor economic recovery and help visitors return with patience, planning, and heart.
ASHEVILLE TO HOST BIG SOUTH 2026-27 BASEBALL CHAMPIONSHIP, ORGANIZERS EXPECT ECONOMY BOOST
According to the newsletter, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) estimates that 40% of small businesses never reopen after a natural disaster, and within one year, an additional 25% of small businesses shut down.
The newsletter says 87.8% of Explore Asheville’s partners are open and welcoming visitors, with only 2.7% of businesses temporarily closed and many with plans to reopen soon.
ASHEVILLE TO HOST 2026, 2027 BIG SOUTH CONFERENCE BASEBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS
Explore Asheville says these numbers not only reflect its Buncombe County partner businesses, but they also tell the story of resilience and ongoing challenges.
“As we mark this milestone, we’re grateful for how far we’ve come together while recognizing that the road ahead requires continued care, support, and partnership,” Explore Asheville said in the newsletter.