Saturday, August 2, 2025
63.7 F
Beckley
More

    West Virginia welcomes sponsors for travel writer's convention

    Southern West Virginia this spring will showcase its travel and tourism resources for 80 members of the influential —an unparalleled occasion, according to state tourism officials.

    Advertisement

    While many organizations have pledged their support for the initiative, there's still time for other partners to engage, according to Roger Wilson, chief executive officer for Adventures on the Gorge, a principal sponsor for the event.

    Paddle-boarders angle toward the New River Gorge Bridge on the New River near Fayetteville, West Virginia. (Photo courtesy )

    “We are truly excited that SATW will hold its first meeting in the state,” Wilson said, "and we're eager to show-and-tell southern West Virginia’s many compelling stories to some of the world’s best travel storytellers, who in turn will share those stories with their readers."

    This 55-year-old organization represents some of North America’s most talented and productive writers, photographers, bloggers, and videographers, whose coverage appears in an array of national and regional magazines, newspapers, television, radio, and online media outlets.

    Advertisement

    Primary sponsors of the event include , the , the , and the .

    Delegates will spend the first night in Charleston and most of the second day exploring some of the top attractions in the Kanawha Valley, including the and . The recently renovated Holiday Inn Charleston-West is accommodating the writers and providing breakfast.

    The writers will afterward tour the gorge of the New River, lodging in cabins provided by Adventures on the Gorge—a home base for the next three days as writers explore the wonders of the New River Gorge and southern West Virginia, including its world-class whitewater rafting and rock climbing and other outdoor adventures.

    They'll also meet some of the region’s makers of art, local brewers, and culinary leaders. They'll also visit the National Park Service visitor center and learn about incentives to create the .

    Advertisement
    Advertisement
    Advertisement
    Advertisement

    David Sibray, the publisher of , the state's largest independent travel magazine, emphasized the gravity of hosting the organization.

    "We've never greeted such an influential group of influencers in southern West Virginia—not since the days of the Hatfields and McCoys, when the outcome was not as positive," Sibray said.

    "What happens here this spring may have repercussions that will be felt for decades to come, and I look forward to documenting the event."

    Numerous attractions have lined up to support the core event or pre- and post-meeting tours, her said, including , The Greenbrier, , Pipestem Resort State Park, the , , , and the .

    Advertisement

    Wilson said that within just the last week, additional supporters raised their hands, including Snowshoe Mountain, and , and the .

    Potential partners may contact Lawrence Fine or email lawrence@lawrencefine.com to discuss sponsorship opportunities.


    Sign up to receive a FREE copy of West Virginia Explorer Magazine in your email weekly. Sign me up!
    Bianca Bosworth
    Bianca Bosworthhttp://wvexplorer.com
    Born in Charleston, Bianca Bosworth spent years traveling the world as a travel nurse and freelance writer. In 2009 she returned to West Virginia to pursue a career in writing and mountaineering. She now calls Putnam County home.

    LEAVE A REPLY

    Please enter your comment!
    Please enter your name here

    Hot this week

    Unique northern panhandle of West Virginia created by historic dispute

    WEIRTON, W.Va — West Virginia's remarkable shape is partly...

    August in West Virginia: When mountain customs come home

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — August in West Virginia is a...

    Wild and Wonderful: A journey through West Virginia’s most beautiful places

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — There's a reason West Virginia is...

    Historic West Virginia heat waves and how the state can recover its coolness

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — While known for its forests and...

    West Virginia to host first-ever Spartan Trifecta World Championship in the U.S.

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia will make history in...

    Topics

    Related Articles

    Popular Categories