Downtown Waynesville Commission tunes up for ‘24

The Downtown Waynesville Commission has had two years to get on its feet since its predecessor organization imploded.

Public hearing scheduled for Sylva solicitation ordinance

The Town of Sylva is once again considering a solicitation ordinance for the streets and sidewalks section of its code of ordinances, and now the public will have a chance to weigh in. 

Smokies visitation increases in 2023, but N.C. side lags

In 2023, visitation to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park grew 2.2% to reach its second-highest number ever — but the number of visits starting in the North Carolina side of the park fell 5.1% compared to 2022. 

Jackson TDA announces new cycle for tourism capital project fund

Jackson County Tourism Development Authority (JCTDA) will reopen its cycle for tourism capital projects Jan. 1, 2024. $600,000 is available for projects that benefit visitors and residents alike. Applications for this cycle are due June 1, 2024. 

Billion-dollar catch: Report reveals economic impact of N.C. trout fishing industry

The economic impact of trout fishing in North Carolina has more than tripled since 2014, clocking in at $1.38 billion in 2022 according to a report  just released by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. 

To the top: Trail network matures at Canton's Chestnut Mountain

In a sunny clearing 350 feet above U.S. 23, the choose-your-own-adventure portion of Canton’s Chestnut Mountain Nature Park  begins. 

Clampitt ceases effort to legislate Swain TDA changes

New bill includes 2% occupancy tax increase

Smokies, Parkway visitors spend the most in the NPS, study finds

According to the recently released results of the National Park Service’s newest peer-reviewed visitor spending analysis, in 2022 North Carolina was yet again home to the nation’s two top parks for visitor spending — the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Canton’s outdoor economy growing, with help from state

It’s only been open for about a year, but Canton’s Chestnut Mountain Park has already proven a popular, unique regional outdoor recreational attraction — even though it’s still growing.

Tourism dollars fund Jackson capital projects

The Jackson County Tourism Development Authority has selected two projects to be funded with occupancy tax dollars — one in Sylva and one in Dillsboro. Both projects are intended to benefit both residents and tourists alike. 

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