What is a TDA?
A Tourism Development Authority (TDA) is created by the NC Legislature. It allows municipalities and counties to collect occupancy taxes which are to be spent on tourism development and promotion to visitors from outside their boundaries.
How is the TDA funded?
The Blowing Rock Tourism Development Authority (BRTDA) is funded by the 6% occupancy tax collected from overnight stays by visitors at hotels and short-term accommodations inside the town-limits of Blowing Rock. The BRTDA does not receive funding from property taxes or any other government support.
What is the Blowing Rock TDA's job?
The mission of the Blowing Rock Tourism Development Authority is to provide leadership and primary funding for promoting, developing, and supporting year-round travel and tourism to and within the Town of Blowing Rock to increase lodging sales, extend overnight stays, and boost visitor spending.
This makes the BRTDA the official destination marketing organization (DMO) for Blowing Rock, tasked with increasing overnight stays and visitor spending in Blowing Rock. This is accomplished by promoting Blowing Rock to potential visitors through paid advertising, travel media, and our own media channels. The BRTDA also spends funds on projects to reduce the impacts of tourism, like sidewalk improvements, increased public parking, and responsible travel programs.
How does the Blowing Rock TDA do its job?
The BRTDA works to increase awareness of Blowing Rock and build connections among visitors. Through advertising, promotions, and public relations, we tap into travelers’ curiosity and desire to explore new places while also reinforcing the loyalty of long-time visitors. We work with industry partners to inspire travelers to experience the things that make Blowing Rock unique.
Why is this work important?
The $501 million per year* that visitors bring into Watauga County boosts our local economy from top to bottom. Promotion drives visitors to book at hotels, buy tickets to activities, and dine at restaurants- all businesses that sustain local livelihoods. Tourism sustains more than 3,000 jobs within the county- that represents about 1 out of every 6 employees here. Watauga County currently ranks 15th among NC’s 100 counties for visitor spending.
*2022 visitor spending data from Visit NC / Tourism Economics
How do I become a BRTDA Tourism Partner?
Tourism-related businesses in the Town of Blowing Rock are automatically partners! These are businesses that serve visitors on a regular basis: accommodations, restaurants, most retailers, & attractions. Nearby regional attractions and events, even if they are outside town limits, are also partners to the BRTDA because Blowing Rock visitors often plan trips around regional attractions and activities. There is no membership fee or cost to partners for TDA general promotions and programs.
Meet the Staff
Tracy Brown
Executive Director
*marketing plans & budgets
*board inquiries
[email protected]
Amanda Fife Lugenbell
Assistant Director
*public & media relations
*programs
[email protected]
Lindsay Wright Garcia
Content Manager
*Website listings & calendar
*monthly promo eblasts
[email protected]
Tyler Graves
Digital Community Manager
*social media content
*partner photography
[email protected]
