Tourism Product Development Fund (TPDF)
Investing in quality of place
Expanding the Vibrancy of our Community through Capital Project Investments
Since 2001, the authority has invested nearly $89 million in 41 community projects through the Tourism Product Development Fund (TPDF). This fund supports significant tourism capital projects by providing grants, loans, and debt service, benefiting both residents and visitors in Buncombe County.
Designed to grow the local economy and attract more overnight visitors, the fund helps to create jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities for residents while enhancing our community with authentic experiences and public amenities. Lodging taxes paid by visitors staying in hotels, vacation rentals, and bed and breakfasts in Buncombe County make the fund possible. The use of these funds is guided by the North Carolina State Legislation H1057.
The 2025 TPDF Cycle is currently in progress. The TPDF Committee will convene on Wednesday, September 10, 2025 at 9am, in the Explore Asheville Board Room to evaluate Phase II TPDF Applications.
TPDF Investments
The Tourism Product Development Fund (TPDF) has played a key role in investing in a range of impactful projects throughout Buncombe County, including but not limited to:
- Outdoor Public Spaces: Wilma Dykeman Greenway and Pack Square Park
- Family-Friendly Destinations: WNC Nature Center and Asheville Museum of Science
- Arts Institutions: Black Mountain College Museum + Art Center and Asheville Community Theatre
- Sports & Recreation: McCormick Field and John B. Lewis Soccer Complex
- Culture & Heritage Sites: YMI Cultural Center and WNC Farmers Market
2025 Tourism Product Development Fund Investments - Expedited May 2025
| Applicant | Project | Investment |
| Asheville Buncombe Youth Sports Association | John B Lewis Soccer Complex Restoration | $2,155,000 |
| Enka Youth Sports Organization | Bob Lewis Ballpark Parking Improvements | $500,000 |
| GRAND TOTAL | $2,655,000 |
2023 Tourism Product Development Fund Investments
| Applicant | Project | Investment |
| Buncombe County | Enka Recreation Destination - Phase II | $4,054,415 |
| City of Asheville | Harrah's Cherokee Center - Asheville Upgrades | $1,586,000 |
| Western NC Agriculture Center | Equine Facility Modernization | $500,000 |
| SUBTOTAL | $6,140,415 | |
| City of Asheville | McCormick Field Centennial Restoration & Capital Improvement Project | $22,950,000 |
| GRAND TOTAL | $29,090,415 |
2022 Tourism Product Development Fund Investments
| Applicant | Project | Investment |
| City of Asheville | Swannanoa River Greenway | $2,300,000 |
| City of Asheville | Coxe Avenue Green Street | $1,950,000 |
| City of Asheville | Asheville Muni Golf Course Revitalization Phase I | $1,641,425 |
| City of Asheville | WNC Nature Center – Gateway to the Southern Appalachians Enhancement | $567,000 |
| UNC Asheville Foundation | UNC Asheville Karl Straus Track – Renovation & Expansion | $1,500,000 |
| RiverLink, Inc. | Karen Cragnolin Park – Greenway Phase | $360,790 |
| North Carolina Glass Center | Glass Center in Black Mountain | $330,000 |
| Asheville on Bikes | AVL Unpaved Phase I | $188,355 |
| Asheville Museum of Science (AMOS) | Museum Beautification Project | $125,000 |
| Wortham Center for the Performing Arts | The Wortham Center Phase II | $80,000 |
| SUBTOTAL | $9,042,570 | |
| Buncombe County | Woodfin Greenway & Blueway | $5,890,000 |
| Buncombe County | Enka Recreation Destination | $750,000 |
| GRAND TOTAL | $15,680,000 |
Meet the committee
Tourism Product Development Fund Committee
The TPDF Committee provides recommendations to the authority to invest in major tourism capital projects that will increase patronage at lodging facilities in Buncombe County by attracting tourists and/or business travelers, thereby replenishing the fund.
The BCTDA Board of Directors appoints TPDF Committee members. A majority of committee members must be owners or operators of hotels, motels, or other taxable lodging accommodations. The remainder of the committee shall be comprised of representatives with expertise in tourism, law, finance, economic development, architecture, or engineering. Committee members serve a term that spans three funding cycles, each lasting a minimum of one year, for a total of three years.
