‘We’re open’: Henderson County businesses need tourists [Video]

WE’RE STARTING TO SEE MORE OF THE LONG TERM IMPACTS ON TOURISM IN THE CAROLINAS AS A RESULT OF HURRICANE HELENE. OUR PEYTON FURTADO IS IN HENDERSON COUNTY TONIGHT WITH THIS STORY. ALL NEW AT SIX. PEAK SEASON DOESN’T GROW ON TREES HERE IN HENDERSON COUNTY. IT’S SOMETHING PEOPLE PREPARE FOR ALL YEAR. THAT’S THE BULK OF THEIR INCOME. SO WHEN YOU TAKE THAT OUT, IT’S IT’S KIND OF LIKE MACY’S CLOSING DOWN FOR THE CHRISTMAS SEASON. OFFICIALS SAY TOURISTS PAY MORE THAN A QUARTER OF HENDERSON COUNTY SALES TAX COME HALLOWEEN. AND HIGH WATER BUSINESSES WERE STILL READY. MANY BARELY IMPACTED BY THE STORM. HERE AT STEPS, HILLCREST FAMILY ORCHARD, YOU CAN PROBABLY SEE A LOT OF THE FRUIT IS UNTOUCHED HERE ON THE TREES. UNFORTUNATELY, THE BIG PICTURE OF THE DAMAGE HERE IN WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA HAS HAD A LARGE LOCAL IMPACT. MIKE STEP SAYS THEY SHUT DOWN …