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.
Rural Sistersville, West Virginia, might seem a curious place for a village of high-style architecture, but then the oil rush that brought prosperity here in the 1890s was nothing less than exceptional. Folks had always assumed black gold bubbled beneath the hills, but it wasn’t until an enterprising farmer learned the trick to drilling there … Read more
Lonely Hero Games, a new board game development company founded by two Beckley natives, has launched its first game, “Bank Heist” on the crowdfunding platform Kickstarter. Jared Kaplan and Christopher Kincaid grew up in Beckley, where Kaplan still resides, while Kincaid moved to Morgantown. Kaplan says the pair believe that creating and launching their company … Read more
Is your community suffering from the appearance of its old industrial or commercial sites—otherwise known as brownfields? The West Virginia Brownfields Assistance Center at West Virginia University is seeking communities that would like to apply for up to $5,000 in redevelopment assistance. According to Patrick Kirby, a spokesman for the Foundations for Overcoming Challenges and … Read more
A new national heritage area established in March will attract financing and tourism to eastern West Virginia and western Maryland—a region that encompasses millions of acres of forest and some of the state’s best-known scenic landscapes. The Smoke Hole Countryside[/caption] Phyllis Baxter, executive director for the heritage area, says visitors and residents can expect to … Read more
Many businesses in Greenbrier and Pocahontas counties may be eligible for benefits as a result of their locations in federally designated “Historically Underutilized Business Zones” or “HUBZones.” The Robert C. Byrd Institute is joining the U.S. Small Business Administration and Greenbrier Valley Economic Development Corporation March 26 in presenting a free workshop on the matter … Read more
To bolster growth in the emerging craft-beverage economy—including the production of sodas, teas, beers, wines, and spirits—the Robert C. Byrd Institute will sponsor “Craft: A Farm-to-Bottle Summit” April 8 in South Charleston. Participants will explore ways that craft products can engage various interests in agriculture, hospitality and tourism to build markets for this growing business … Read more
West Virginia Governor Jim Justice today unveiled data that shows a 16.1 percent increase in state hotel occupancy. Combined with a robust average room rate, the occupancy increase also produced a 20 percent revenue increase in a year-over-year comparison. Joined by the state’s Tourism Commission and dozens of hospitality-industry representatives, the governor announced that the … Read more
Vacations are nice, and everyone should have one once in a while to rest and recuperate. However, it can get expensive, and it can be easy to spend a lot when you’re out there on the road. The smaller expenses, like eating out, souvenir shopping, and buying beverages such as coffee every day can really … Read more
The W.Va. Division of Natural Resources is seeking public comments on proposed and modified rules that concern boating, permitting rentals on the New River, establishing new safety standards for whitewater, and allowing off-road vehicles in Cabwaylingo State Forest. The first rule, according to a press release from the division, involves designating a new section of … Read more
The West Virginia Tourism Office today unleashed a new 2018 campaign for the state’s birthday June 20 featuring exclusive “Almost Heaven” stickers that can be featured in social media posts. Tourism Commissioner Chelsea Ruby says the campaign is designed to prompt visitors to visit and share news of its many wild and wonderful attractions. “Let’s … Read more
