BOONE, N.C. — In Boone, tourism isn’t just a pastime; it’s the backbone of the economy. But last year, Hurricane Helene hit at the worst possible time—right at the start of leaf season, when restaurants, hotels, and shops typically see some of their biggest crowds. For many small businesses, the lost revenue led to months of financial struggle.

Explore Boone , the area’s tourism development authority, says the biggest losses came from short-term rentals like Airbnbs after much of the inventory was damaged.

Executive Director Wright Tilley said local hotels actually did well, housing rescue workers and volunteers, but overall tourism was still down about 18 percent in Watauga County and around five percent across the High Country.

“We’ve bounced back pretty well,” Tilley said. “I think

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