The Hospitality Outlook, designed to provide business insights for tourism industry partners, was held at the Diana Wortham Theatre on Friday, February 24, 2017. Chad Church of Smith Travel Research presented the annual lodging performance report for 2016, and a forecast for 2017. Chris Cavanaugh, president of Magellan Strategy Group, presented an overview of tourism in Buncombe County.

Review the presentations:

• Buncombe County Tourism Overview – Review presentation and video
  Chris Cavanaugh | President, Magellan Strategy Group
  Mr. Cavanaugh reexamined what we know about Buncombe County tourism. Take a look beyond the usual industry data for greater insight into what it means for the visitor economy and its impact in the community.

• Keynote: Lodging Performance Report and Forecast – Review presentation and video
  Chad Church | Vice President of Operations, Smith Travel Research
  Mr. Church presented trends and projections for Buncombe County, pipeline forecast and insights and expectations into demand and supply for the industry.

• BCTDA Building Community through Tourism – Review presentation and video
  Stephanie Brown | Executive Director, Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau