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.

Curtis Tate,Oct. 20, 2022

Advocates Push For Rail Trails To Connect State’s Tourism Economy

West Virginia has more than 500 miles of rail trails. The state is poised to get increased funding from recent federal legislation to build more.

Bill Lynch,Oct. 19, 2022

Whiskey Tourism Is Growing In West Virginia

For generations, visitors have come to West Virginia for the scenery and a taste of adventure, but over the past few years, they’re coming to sample whiskey.

Caroline MacGregor,Oct. 18, 2022

W.Va. Tourism Growth Depends On Access To Flights

Airports are the cornerstone for the economic development and vitality of any region. As a key part of West Virginia’s transportation system, a viable airport network is the catalyst for state access to the national and worldwide marketplace.

Jessica Lilly,Oct. 17, 2022

Tourism Progress Stalled By Landownership In Southern W.Va. 

The hope for the Great Eastern Trail is to relieve some of the foot traffic on the iconic Appalachian Trail which hosts about three million visitors each year.

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.

Chris Schulz,Oct. 13, 2022

Ascend’s Remote Workers Help Elevate State Tourism

The pandemic changed the ways people work. Over the past year, Ascend West Virginia has taken advantage of that change to attract remote workers – and their friends and family – to the state.

Randy Yohe,Oct. 12, 2022

Southern W.Va. Tourism Highlights The Haves And Have-Nots

Tourism success in the coalfields seems to begin and end with a network of ATV trails, but it’s what’s in the middle that creates the challenges.

Eric Douglas,Oct. 11, 2022

Tourism Jobs Lagging, But Increases Expected

While the pandemic shook up most of the world’s economies, including tourism, it actually gave things in the Mountain State a boost.