Asheville Business Outlook 2026: Tourism Rebound and Targeted Investment Drive Growth

Asheville -- January 18, 2026: Asheville small business landscape enters 2026 with a shift in focus from immediate recovery to long-term economic growth. Local leaders and business owners are pointing to a combination of rising tourism forecasts, major event returns, and strategic workforce investments as the primary drivers for the year ahead.During recent economic briefings, Explore Asheville and local officials reported a positive outlook for visitor spending, which is projected to grow by mo