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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.

Fayetteville businessman Sean Clarke works remotely above the New River Gorge, a region whose appeal is growing appeal not only as a recreation destination but also as a place to live, work, and build new businesses.
Economic Development

How the New River Gorge region is building a new economy beyond the national park

by David Sibray

BECKLEY, W.Va. — Five years after the redesignation of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, southern West Virginia is entering a new phase of growth. While millions of visitors now know the New River Gorge region for its whitewater rivers, scenic overlooks, climbing cliffs, and mountain trails, local leaders are increasingly focused on turning … Read more

Communities nationwide have used historic tax credits to transform aging downtowns into centers of housing, commerce, tourism, and community life.
Economic Development

West Virginia-backed Senate bill could spur new investment in historic downtowns across America

by Bianca Bosworth

LEWISBURG, W.Va. — Historic buildings, from New England mill towns to Appalachian downtowns, could become easier to restore under bipartisan legislation that would expand one of the nation’s most successful redevelopment incentives. U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito has joined lawmakers from both parties in sponsoring the Historic Tax Credit Growth and Opportunity Act of 2025, … Read more

An architect's rendering shows the new Railyard Event and Conference Center in Elkins, a $11.6 million facility expected to attract conferences, weddings, entertainment events, and new visitor spending to West Virginia's Allegheny Highlands region.
Economic Development

$11.6 million railyard venue opening in Elkins to draw visitors to the Allegheny Highlands

by David Sibray

ELKINS, W.Va. — A new $11.6 million event and conference center, scheduled to open this summer, is expected to bring conferences, weddings, entertainment, and increased tourism to downtown Elkins, marking one of the largest recent investments in Randolph County’s hospitality industry. The Railyard Event & Conference Center, a 28,000-square-foot venue built on the site of Elkins’ … Read more

Rural Women Entrepreneurs: The findings may be particularly relevant to West Virginia, where many communities are rural, and small-business ownership is vital to local economies.
Economic Development

Rural women entrepreneurs fuel economic growth in America’s small towns, WVU study finds

by Bianca Bosworth

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Rural women entrepreneurs may make up a relatively small share of business owners across the United States, but new research from West Virginia University suggests their impact on local economies is far greater than many communities realize. The study, conducted by researchers at West Virginia University and the University of Maine, found that rural women … Read more

Davie Chinn, David Sibray, and Lori Noble meet at Little Beaver State Park to discuss increased promotion of outdoor recreation.
Economic Development

Chinn, Noble appointed to key leadership roles at West Virginia Explorer

by Clyde Craig

BEAVER, W.Va. — West Virginia Explorer President and CEO David Sibray has announced the appointment of Davie Chinn as Director of Technology and Lori Noble as Director of Advertising for the West Virginia Explorer publications. The appointments come as the leading tourism news and travel guide expands its efforts to support outdoor recreation, heritage travel, … Read more

Blenko Glass Co. Inc. was among the 24 recipients of the 2026 Governor's Export Award.
Economic Development

West Virginia companies honored for expanding at 2026 Governor’s Export Award

by David Sibray

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Thirty-four West Virginia companies have been recognized with the 2026 Governor’s Export Award for expanding into new international markets. Seven were first-time recipients. According to Matt Herridge, Secretary of the W.Va. Department of Commerce, the award is presented to companies that made their first export sale to a new country in the … Read more

The program creates incentives for private investment funds and financial institutions to direct capital into qualified small business growth.
Economic Development

Applications open for West Virginia First small business growth program

by Bianca Bosworth

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The W.Va. Department of Commerce is officially accepting applications for the newly established West Virginia First Small Business Growth Program, a major economic development initiative designed to expand access to private investment capital for small businesses. Governor Patrick Morrisey announced the launch of the new program, part of his promise to build … Read more

The Frontier-to-Statehood Preservation Fund will provide up to 10 grants of as much as $100,000 each for the rehabilitation of certified historic structures dating to 1871 or earlier.
Economic Development

Grants of up to $100,000 available in W.Va. for pre-1872 preservation projects

by Clyde Craig

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — As part of the nation’s 250th-anniversary commemoration, officials at the The alliance awarded the Woda Group its “Best Use of Historic Tax Credit Award” for the redevelopment of the Boury Lofts in Wheeling.[/caption] Grant funding may be used for projects including roof and foundation repairs, masonry restoration, window and door rehabilitation, log … Read more

"Ascend Heroes" will attract veterans with financial incentives, providing opportunities for them to live and work in West Virginia.
Economic Development

West Virginia launches “Ascend Heroes” initiative to attract veterans

by David Sibray

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – West Virginia has launched an initiative to attract veterans to the state. According to state officials, “Ascend Heroes” will attract veterans with financial incentives, providing opportunities for them to live and work in the state. Created in partnership with the state government, the Wing-2-Wing Foundation, and West Virginia University, the Ascend West … Read more