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 more than $98 million through 73 TPDF investments in 45 community projects throughout Buncombe County. 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.
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
| Applicant | Project | Investment |
| Asheville Museum of Science | AMOS Downtown Expansion: Immersive Science Destination | $189,500 |
| Beacon Foundation | Beacon Park | $4,500,000 |
| Buncombe County Government | Enka Recreation Destination Phase II | $1,975,920 |
| Enka Youth Sports Organization | Bob Lewis Ballpark | $220,000 |
| UNC Asheville Foundation | UNCA On-Campus Tennis Complex | $500,000 |
| Warren Wilson College | Warren Wilson College Aquatics Center | $1,606,000 |
| White Horse Stepstone | White Horse Black Mountain Community Patio Project | $736,537 |
| *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 | $12,382,957 |
*Expedited May 2025
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.
