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Welcome Center

91 North Lakeshore Drive, Lake Junaluska, NC 28745
(828) 944-0761
Monday – Saturday, 9AM – 5PM
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    Things to Do
    • Attractions
    • Outdoors
    • Arts & Culture
    • Shopping
    • Farm & Food Experiences
    • Family Fun
    • Online Store
    • Blog
  • Eat & Drink
    • Restaurants
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    Eat & Drink
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    • Farm to Table
    • Cafes & Bakeries
    • Breakfast & Brunch
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    Places to Stay
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    Events
    • Ice Festival
    • Fat Burger Month
    • Labor Day Festival
    • Apple Festival
    • Christmas
    • Submit an Event
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    Plan Your Trip
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© 2026 Haywood County Tourism Development Authority

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ABOUT Haywood County Tourism Development Authority

Working to make Haywood prosper

The Haywood County Tourism Development Authority (HCTDA) exists to strategically manage tourism for the benefit of our entire community.

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  3. About HCTDA

About the HCTDA

Our critical role in Haywood County

The HCTDA is the public body responsible for promoting tourism across our five mountain towns. We're funded by occupancy tax revenue, governed by a volunteer board, and accountable to the community we serve.

Our priority is to invest in programs and projects that drive sustainable growth and enhance the quality of life for all who call Haywood County home. Our work builds a positive destination brand that drives increased spending, boosts local tax revenues, and supports critical local services.

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How we serve the area

Fund management

We collect, manage and invest a 4% occupancy tax on all paid accommodations in the county

Destination marketing

We promote the county nationwide through our visitors’ website, annual visitors guide, social media, and media outreach

Community development

We fund strategic planning, community events, capital project grants, and more to support the local economy and community

Elevating
Haywood

Mission
The Haywood County Tourism Development Authority (HCTDA) drives community and economic prosperity as a strategic leader of the destination. By fostering collaboration and destination stewardship, we strive to make Haywood County an unrivaled place to live, work, and play.

Vision
Haywood County will be renowned as the authentic destination in the Great Smoky and Blue Ridge Mountains, offering diverse, year-round experiences while preserving our natural and cultural heritage for future generations.

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Meet our staff

Our dedicated HCTDA team works year-round to promote Haywood, support our partners, and make sure tourism dollars come back to the community.

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Corrina Ruffieux, CDME, CDEExecutive Director
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Ashley Rice, TMPMarketing Manager
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Amie Newsome, TMP, FEPSocial Media & Content Manager
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Hayley Printz, PACEAdministrative Assistant
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Alycin RayMarketing Coordinator
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Joya DarvilleWelcome Center Representative
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Mark FergusonWelcome Center Representative

Governing documents

The HCTDA is the legislatively mandated entity responsible for collecting occupancy taxes and allocating that revenue to promote tourism and support the local community. Below you'll find our key governing documents, available for anyone to review.

  • Legislation (Session Law 2007-337 House Bill 1013)
  • Synopsis of Legislation
  • HCTDA Bylaws
  • HCTDA Finance Policies
  • Code of Conduct and Ethics Policy
  • Conflict of Interest Policy

Local contacts

For non-emergencies, reach the appropriate department below.

In case of fire, medical, or police emergency, call 911.

    • 828-944-0761
    • 91 North Lakeshore Drive, Lake Junaluska, NC 28745
Mon–Sat · 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    • Sheriff's Office: 828-452-6666
    • Emergency Management: 828-456-2391
    • EMS: 828-627-1143
    • NC State Highway Patrol: 1-800-445-1772
    • Maggie Valley Police: 828-926-0867
    • Waynesville Police: 828-456-5363
    • Canton Police: 828-648-2376
    • Clyde Police: 828-627-2940
    • Lake Junaluska Assembly Security: 828-452-5911
    • Canton Fire Department: 828-648-3418
    • Waynesville Fire Department: 828-456-8611
    • Center Pigeon, Clyde, Cruso, Lake Junaluska, Maggie Valley, North Canton & Saunook: 828-452-6600
    • Haywood Regional Medical Center (24-hour emergency):
      • 828-456-7311
      • 262 Leroy George Dr, Clyde, NC 28721
    • Haywood Urgent Care — Canton:
      • 828-648-0282
      • 55 Buckeye Cove Rd, Canton, NC 28716
Mon–Sun · 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM
    • Haywood Urgent Care — Waynesville:
      • 828-452-8890
      • 556 Hazelwood Rd, Waynesville, NC
Mon–Sun · 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM
    • Haywood County Animal Services:
      • 828-456-5338
    • Haywood Animal Emergency:
      • 828-452-1478
      • 3258 Asheville Rd, Waynesville, NC 28786
        Mon–Fri · 5:30 PM – 12:00 AM
        Sat–Sun · 8:30 AM – 12:00 AM
    • REACH — Regional Emergency Animal Care Hospital (24/7):
      • 828-665-4399
      • 677 Brevard Rd, Asheville, NC 28806
    • Haywood County Fairgrounds
      • 828-400-1704
      • 758 Crabtree Rd, Waynesville, NC 28785

Annual reports

Explore HCTDA’s most recent Annual Report, showcasing the year’s key initiatives, achievements, and impact on the local tourism industry.

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HCTDA 2025 Annual Report
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2024 Annual Report
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2023 Annual Report

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