We're still going strong in Asheville - it's a good time to visit

The Mountain Xpress reported at the end of July that the Asheville economy is still going strong, despite the national downturn. Both fundamental economic sectors - health services and tourism - in Asheville are still seeing growth, according to economists.

Asheville had 51 straight months of job growth through the beginning of 2008. And, while home prices and new construction are declining, home appreciate rates are staying strong. The article breaks down each of Asheville's strongest sectors: industry serving new residents, professional and business services, manufacturing, health services and tourism. I'll stick to the tourism review.

Tourism saw the most new jobs, the restaurant industry counting for 80% of them. There was a small increase in leisure travel, a decrease in business travel, and less restaurant spending. Hotel and motel occupancy rates were also down for the first time since 2004 (at Carolina Mornings, we'd like to think it's because people are choosing the benefits of vacation rentals!).

What does this mean for you? If you live in Asheville, it's good news for your pocketbook or wallet. If you want to visit Asheville, it means you'll be contending with fewer travelers - making your reservations easier to secure, restaurant waits shorter, events less crowded, and your accommodations offering quite a few specials... like these with our Carolina Mornings Asheville vacation rental owners.