West Virginia’s tourism economy has brought in $9.4 billion in economic impact over the past year. That is an all-time record and $300,000 more than the previous year, Gov. Patrick Morrisey said Monday at the annual Governor’s Conference on Tourism.
“This tourism boom is a direct reflection of the hard work happening in every corner of our state, proving that when we cut red tape and move at the speed of business, travelers and companies alike are ready to experience everything West Virginia has to offer,” Morrisey said.
In 2025, the Mountain State welcomed 78.4 million visitors, marking a 1.6% increase over the prior year. Overnight travelers grew by nearly 2%, averaging nearly $19 million spent every single day for food, lodging, and outdoor recreation.
Tourism directly and indirectly supports 61,728 jobs across West Virginia. That means roughly 1-in-15 jobs in the state are tied to the visitor economy.
Visitor activity generated $2.3 billion in total personal income and brought in $643 million in state and local taxes.
Additionally, a number of upcoming infrastructure enhancements and private-public partnerships are currently in the works. This includes a $1.8 million investment at Twin Falls Resort State Park dedicated to comprehensive cabin renovations and brand-new lodge HVAC upgrades, alongside an additional $475,000 for upgraded cabin interiors and high-quality mattresses.
Cass Scenic Railroad State Park is also celebrating the grand opening of the new Slabtown Campground this month, featuring 100 new sites, select equestrian hookups with corrals, and full amenities along the Greenbrier River Trail.
Other exciting developments include the historic Hill Hall Hotel project bringing a beautifully restored century-old building to downtown Fayetteville near the New River Gorge, the completely modernized and renovated tram at Hawks Nest scheduled to reopen to the public next spring, and a newly announced partnership between the Department of Tourism and the DNR with Firefly Ridge to bring fresh, innovative outdoor developments to state parks.
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