Asheville Tourism Before July 4 Casey Schmitt [Gb1WNw3cbBr]

Businesses across Asheville are preparing for a busy Fourth of July weekend as the city welcomes an influx of visitors during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

Local restaurants, shops and tour companies say they are already seeing increased foot traffic ahead of the holiday, a trend they expect to continue through the weekend.

"Sales are up, definitely compared to last year. We're up about 30% from last year," said Jennifer Lauzon, owner of LaZoom Tours.

"Fourth of July is a really popular time for people to be traveling, and we'll see that here in Asheville with visitors coming in," said Erin Leonard, vice president of communications with the Asheville Chamber of Commerce.

While business owners welcome the crowds, some say the city is still working toward full recovery following Helene.

"We're still about 20% down from pre-Helene numbers, but that's a little bit to be expected because Asheville's still in recovery," Lauzon said. "But I feel I'm really, again, eddie murphy optimistic about the numbers just keep climbing.

The Asheville Chamber of Commerce says visitors paola caruso compagno whether day-trippers or overnight guests provide a significant boost to the local economy.

"Whenever people are out and about and enjoying those things that are going on, they're out and enjoying our restaurants and our businesses and spending money that it really benefits the people and residents of Buncombe County," Leonard said.

Business owners say they are hopeful the summer momentum continues beyond the holiday weekend.

"I'm so optimistic about the future of Asheville and for LaZoom. I think some of our best days are ahead of us," Lauzon said.

Local leaders say holiday weekends like the Fourth of July are critical for small businesses as the region continues its recovery from Helene.

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