Tourism brings an increasing number of visitors and money into the state, dispelling some misconceptions about West Virginia, and offering new opportunities in regions of the state that have fallen behind.

The West Virginia Public Broadcasting news team examines this evolving industry. From infrastructure needs to programs meant to attract more people, we look at its growth and challenges.

Stories

Liz McCormick,Oct. 21, 2022

Building The Next Generation Of W.Va.'s Tourism Workforce

West Virginia HEAT, which stands for Hospitality Education and Training, is a program within the West Virginia Department of Education that is dedicated to training the next generation of hospitality workers in West Virginia. These workers are often the first faces visitors see when they come to our state. Liz McCormick spoke with Tami Maynard, who works in the West Virginia HEAT program, to learn more.

Shepherd Snyder,Oct. 14, 2022

The Pros And Cons Of The Growing Demand For Vacation Rentals

Companies like Airbnb and Vrbo are part of the same gig economy as ride-sharing apps like Uber, or food delivery services like Doordash – they act as online marketplaces that connect property owners with tenants for a short period. They’ve become increasingly popular as an alternative to hotels, allowing tourists to stay in unique lodgings in the communities they’re visiting.