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Tourism and economic development in West Virginia play a vital role in driving growth and enhancing the quality of life throughout the Mountain State. Known for its breathtaking mountains, outdoor adventures, historic landmarks, and welcoming small towns, West Virginia attracts visitors year-round, boosting local businesses, restaurants, and lodging. This thriving tourism industry fuels economic development by creating jobs, supporting small businesses, and encouraging investment in infrastructure and community revitalization. By promoting its natural beauty, rich heritage, and expanding industries, West Virginia continues to strengthen its economy and offer new opportunities for both residents and visitors.

Historic buildings line the railroad at Thurmond in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. A proposed New River Gorge Artisan Corridor would seek to connect preservation and adaptive reuse here with arts, workforce development, recreation and economic opportunities in communities from Hinton to Montgomery. (Photo David Sibray)
Economic Development

New plan imagines a different future for communities of the New River Gorge

by Clyde Craig

PRINCE, W.Va. —  A sweeping new proposal would link communities throughout the New River Gorge region through arts, recreation, preservation, and business development, aiming to keep more of the economic benefits the gorge and its national park generate within surrounding communities. Called the “New River Gorge Artisan Corridor,” the proposal would extend through communities from … Read more

Two properties proposed for inclusion in an expanded historic district stand along a residential street in Richwood, West Virginia. The proposed expansion would extend the existing downtown district into nearby residential areas.
Economic Development

Richwood could double historic district at gateway to Monongahela National Forest

by David Sibray

RICHWOOD, W.Va. — A historic district in this Nicholas County mountain town could roughly double in size, encompassing distinctive homes, churches, and other landmarks as preservationists work to protect the character of a community at the western gateway to the Monongahela National Forest. The proposed expansion would extend the existing Downtown Richwood Historic District eastward … Read more

Tourists arrive at the historic Elkins passenger station, a gateway to the Monongahela National Forest and one of the communities participating in the Mon Forest Towns partnership. A new West Virginia University study is helping rural destinations balance tourism growth with the needs of local residents.
Economic Development

WVU researchers help tourism communities grow without losing what makes them special

by David Sibray

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — As tourism continues to reshape rural communities across Appalachia, researchers at West Virginia University in Morgantown are helping local leaders answer a difficult question: How can towns welcome more visitors without sacrificing the qualities that make people want to live there? A new study led by West Virginia University Extension found that … Read more

An AI concept based on a press release from WVU envisions Appalachia as a future hub for advanced energy innovation, where research, resilient electric grid technologies, and modern manufacturing coexist with the region's forests, rivers, and mountain communities.
Economic Development

$321 million science initiative aims to make Appalachia America’s next energy innovation hub

by Clyde Craig

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A new $321 million investment from federal and private sources has been established to position West Virginia as one of the nation’s leading centers for next-generation energy technology, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, and electric grid innovation. The U.S. National Science Foundation has announced that the Resilient Energy Technology and Infrastructure (RETI) Consortium … Read more

A new "Tech Toolshed" program by Woodlands Development & Lending is giving entrepreneurs free access to professional cameras, lighting and audio equipment to improve their digital marketing.
Economic Development

New program by Woodlands helping rural West Virginia businesses reach customers nationwide

by Clyde Craig

ELKINS, W.Va. — Across the United States, entrepreneurs are increasingly building businesses from home offices, renovated storefronts, and small-town communities while relying on digital marketing to reach customers nationwide. Whether selling handmade products online, promoting vacation rentals, or guiding outdoor adventures, professional photography, video, and audio have become essential tools for success. In rural West … Read more