ASHEVILLE - While the peak tourism season is not yet over, travel industry data from the summer and early fall released by the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority indicated Asheville's tourism industry was still lagging almost a year after Tropical Storm Helene.

In July and August, lodging sales — one of the best metrics to indicate the tourism industry's performance — declined over 20%, according to BCTDA data released Oct. 29. July 2025 sales were nearly $49 million compared to over $61 million in 2024. August 2025 sales were $46 million, compared to over $57 million in 2024.

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