Jackson County Tourism Development Authority Terms of Use Agreement November 9, 2016 The Jackson County Tourism Development Authority welcomes you. JCTDA maintains this website, DiscoverJacksonNC.com, in furtherance of its mission of promoting tourism in the Jackson County, NC region. This Terms of Use Agreement (the “Terms”) governs your use of the DISCOVERJACKSONNC.COM Sites, including the web content, products, technology and services provided by DiscoverJacksonNC.com. Please carefully read these Terms before accessing the DiscoverJacksonNC.com services as they govern use of the DiscoverJacksonNC.com services by all visitors, users and any others who access the DiscoverJacksonNC.com services (each a “User”), and constitutes an agreement between you and DiscoverJacksonNC.com. By accessing the DiscoverJacksonNC.com services, you signify that you have read the Terms and agree to be bound by them and the DiscoverJacksonNC.com Privacy Policy, which is incorporated herein and available at www.discoverjacksonnc.com/privacy, as well as any applicable laws and regulations. We may update these Terms from time to time. Each time you use any of the DiscoverJacksonNC.com services, the current version of the Terms will apply. Accordingly, when you use the DiscoverJacksonNC.com services, you should check the date of the Terms (which appears at the top of this page) and review any changes. If you do not agree with the Terms, do not access or otherwise use the DiscoverJacksonNC.com services. Where applicable under law, these Terms constitute a writing signed by you. Your continued use of the DiscoverJacksonNC.com services following the posting of changes to these Terms will be deemed your acceptance of those […]

Overview Jackson County offers a wealth of tourism opportunities to visitors and residents. Through the marketing efforts of the Jackson County Tourism Development Authority, our objective is to showcase all the region has to offer, encouraging people to “Play On” and take advantage of the diverse experiences across the County. Partner Photo Program The Jackson County Tourism Development Authority makes select photos from its image asset library available to partners to use in marketing to accomplish our mutually beneficial goals of increasing tourism and visitation to Jackson County. Download the form here and once completed, e-mail to Director@DiscoverJacksonNC.com for consideration. Social Media Social media is a core component of our marketing program. As travelers look to sites like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and more for inspiration and trip-planning ideas from DMOs, fellow travelers and social influencers, our goal is to ensure that Jackson County is part of that conversation. Through daily posts across various social media profiles, the TDA looks to engage, inspire and attract visitors and residents of Jackson County through original and curated, high-quality content. Connect With Us As a key partner in what Jackson County offers travelers, we encourage business owners to connect their own social media efforts with that of the TDA. Through cross-promotion, you’ll be able to expand the reach of your marketing and take advantage of the nearly 175,000 engaged social media followers of the TDA. The following are a few ways to leverage the TDA in your day-to-day social media efforts: Follow Us – […]

Introduction This Privacy Policy informs you about the types of personal information collected by The Jackson County Tourism Development Authority (“we, our or us”) website (“Web Site”), and how we use, share and protect that information. Applicability of this Privacy Policy This Privacy Policy applies to the personal information we collect on this Web Site (at www.discoverjacksonnc.com) and not to any information that we collect through other methods or services, including websites owned or operated by our affiliates, vendors or partners. Information You Provide to Us We may collect and store personal information that you choose to voluntarily provide to us when you contact us, such as when you contact us for business purposes or to submit a request, complaint or compliment. Personal information may include your name, email address, telephone number, and your resume. We use the information you provide to respond to your request or question or to process your application for employment. We may also use the information to communicate with you about other topics that we think may be of interest to you. What Information Do We Collect We are committed to making your online experience with our Web Site informative and relevant. To achieve this, we collect certain information when you visit this Web Site, such as your IP address, the type of internet browser you are using, operating system, referring URLs, information on actions taken on the Web Site, how many users visited our Web Site and dates and times of Web Site visits. […]

Please contact the TDA to have your business location information revised or added to the DiscoverJacksonNC.com website. Thank you. Nick Breedlove Director, Jackson County Tourism Development Authority 828-339-1160 Director@DiscoverJacksonNC.com

Are You Paying Occupancy Tax on Your Rental Accommodations? If you rent out your home or vacation property the State of North Carolina and Jackson County law requires you to collect occupancy tax from your guests. You are only exempt if the below circumstances apply: A privately-owned residence/cottage rented for fewer than 15 days per year; A rental to the same person of more than 90 continuous days; and, Accommodations related to schools or camps that charge tuition or fees for enrollment. This occupancy tax is in addition to state and local sales tax, and is based on gross room sales. Occupancy Tax Law: North Carolina G.S. 105-164.4(a)(3) (made applicable to occupancy taxes by G.S. 153A-155 and G.S. 160A-215). Who do I need to speak with about NC Sales Tax? You can contact the NC Department of Revenue at 1-877-252-3052 or www.dornc.com. What if I do not know how long my home will be rented or if it will be rented for a period of time that mandates I pay occupancy tax? You should setup an account to remit. If total days rented for the year are less than 15 or if an individual guest stays longer than 89 consecutive days, the remitter may seek a refund from Jackson County Finance Department. Should individual owners who rent their properties via on-line services such as AirBnB and VRBO be collecting and remitting occupancy taxes? Yes. If a property owner rents out an accommodation for 15 or more days per year, then that owner should be collecting occupancy taxes […]

About Jackson County

About Jackson County

The Tuckasegee River, the dividing line between Haywood and Macon counties until a special act of the NC General Assembly created Jackson in 1851, flows almost the length of the county. Named for President Andrew Jackson, the first county seat was at Webster, though that changed some 60 years later when Sylva took on the role due to its proximity to the railroad and an economy that was starting to boom. With some 185 named summits and approximately 250 named rivers and creeks, Jackson County is defined by its lofty vistas and fast-flowing water. Elevations range from less than 2,000 feet above sea level in Whittier’s Tuckasegee River valley to more than 6,000 feet in the Plott Balsam and Great Balsam mountain ranges. Jackson County contains a significant amount of US National Forest land, including the 39,000-acre Roy Taylor Forest. In addition to its lofty peaks, rushing water and unspoiled natural beauty, Jackson County is known for its rich Appalachian traditions. Its many cultural attractions range from the Native American at Cherokee’s Oconaluftee Indian Village, Unto These Hills outdoor drama and Museum of the Cherokee Indians to the Scots-Irish at Western Carolina University’s Mountain Heritage Center. Dogwood Crafters in Dillsboro and Qualla Arts and Crafts in Cherokee give visitors an opportunity to buy authentic Native American and Appalachian crafts. Jackson County Fast Facts One of the highest waterfalls east of the Rocky Mountains, Whitewater Falls, at 411 feet One of the highest lakes east of the Rockies Lake Glenville at […]

Jackson County TDA The Jackson County Tourism Development Authority’s mission is to promote growth of tourism opportunities that benefits the Jackson County economy. The Jackson County Tourism Development Authority was established in 2013 by an act of the North Carolina General Assembly. The Jackson County TDA has 15 board members appointed by the Jackson County Board of Commissioners and meets monthly. The Jackson County TDA is funded by a 4% room occupancy tax collected from guests of Jackson County accommodations. No property taxes are used to fund the Jackson County Tourism Development Authority. Goals: Bring the “Play On” brand to life through an integrated marketing strategy. Create an awareness and desire to explore and fall in love with Jackson County. To foster tourism development in the area by offering grants to projects, attractions, events, and services which will increase tourism to the Jackson County area. To examine the range of existing visitor attractions and services, and to use the information to identify unrealized marketing opportunities. To work with community organizations to achieve an effective, coordinated and comprehensive marketing program. To work with local government, businesses, and non-profit organizations to identify and develop new facilities, attractions, and services to improve tourism activities. To contribute to the economic development and quality of life in Jackson County. The Jackson County TDA meeting schedule is available at the Meeting Schedule page. The JCTDA’s Executive Director is Nick Breedlove. Contact him at Director@DiscoverJacksonNC.com or by telephone at 828-848-8711.

History & Heritage

History & Heritage

The Tuckasegee River, the dividing line between Haywood and Macon counties until a special act of the NC General Assembly created Jackson in 1851, flows almost the length of the county. Named for President Andrew Jackson, the first county seat was at Webster, though that changed some 60 years later when Sylva took on the role due to its proximity to the railroad and an economy that was starting to boom. With some 185 named summits and approximately 250 named rivers and creeks, Jackson County is defined by its lofty vistas and fast-flowing water. Elevations range from less than 2,000 feet above sea level in Whittier’s Tuckasegee River valley to more than 6,000 feet in the Plott Balsam and Great Balsam mountain ranges. Jackson County contains a significant amount of US National Forest land, including the 39,000-acre Roy Taylor Forest. In addition to its lofty peaks, rushing water and unspoiled natural beauty, Jackson County is known for its rich Appalachian traditions. Its many cultural attractions range from the Native American at Cherokee’s Oconaluftee Indian Village, Unto These Hills outdoor drama and Museum of the Cherokee Indians to the Scots-Irish at Western Carolina University’s Mountain Heritage Center. Dogwood Crafters in Dillsboro and Qualla Arts and Crafts in Cherokee give visitors an opportunity to buy authentic Native American and Appalachian crafts. Jackson County Fast Facts One of the highest waterfalls east of the Rocky Mountains, Whitewater Falls, at 411 feet One of the highest lakes east of the Rockies Lake Glenville at […]

2024 Meeting Dates The Jackson County TDA’s annual meeting schedule is as follows: the JCTDA will hold its Regular Meeting on the following dates as a mixed virtual format at 1:00 p.m., JCTDA Office, 98 Cope Creek Road, Suite D, Sylva, North Carolina: January 17 (Canceled), February 21, March 20, April 17, May 15, June 19, July 10, August 15, September 25, October 16, November 13, and December 4. They will hold mixed virtual Executive Committee meetings on the following dates at 1:00 p.m., JCTDA Office, 98 Cope Creek Road, Suite D, Sylva, North Carolina: January 10 (Canceled), February 7, March 13, April 10, May 8, June 12, July 3, August 8, September 18, October 9, November 6, and November 27 Please call 828-339-1160 or email Director@DiscoverJacksonNC.com by 12 p.m. the day prior to the Meeting to receive the link to observe the virtual meeting.