Crystal Coast Vacation Rental Show

Good morning and welcome to our Monday News Round-up where we take a look at a few news items. Typically they’re involving short term rentals or the Crystal Coast. It might also be anything that I find interesting.

Barcelona finally turned on its crowds of tourists. Now the city faces a major problem. An interesting look at Barcelona’s struggle with tourism. Citizens are pushing back against crowds, but 14% of the local jobs are in the industry. It’s a good piece, but like most stories on this subject it doesn’t spend much time on those who make their living in tourism. As someone who lives full time in a tourist town and makes my living in the industry, I can see both sides. However, I cannot accept those who believe, “I want others to lose their living so I can go back to something that may never have existed.” The truth is, as always, somewhere in the middle. Smart growth is hard. Those of us in the industry need to be involved and do what we can to be good neighbors.

Fed keeps rates steady, S&P 500 jumps. As expected, The Fed kept their rate steady on Wednesday. There is some belief that the June meeting may result in a cut, but obviously in the current climate of tariffs and counter-tariffs, everything is in flux.

‘Ready for people to come back’: Asheville’s small businesses need tourists. In Asheville, Buncombe County, and the surrounding area many small businesses are open and ready for tourism. While there is still work to be done, many places are ready and anxiously awaiting visitors. If you do go, use caution and courtesy, but I’m so happy to be reading about the progress. Hurricane Helene changed a lot of lives, but human resilience knows no bounds.

We will be at the Carteret Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours Expo April 29 at the Crystal Coast Civic Center. We will be promoting our exhibition spaces and are planning some great giveaways and promotions. See you there!

As always, if you are interested in the Vacation Rental industry or are already involved, we encourage you to join us at the Crystal Coast Vacation Rental Show October 18 and 19 at the Crystal Coast Civic Center. Subscribe and follow our social media links above and below to stay on top of what’s coming next.