The Governor launched a free online hospitality training program called Tourism Works to bring more visitors to West Virginia and address workforce needs across the state.
Gov. Patrick Morrisey and hundreds of tourism and hospitality industry professionals celebrated Tourism Day at the Capitol by announcing the launch of the “Tourism Works” program alongside the Department of Tourism Secretary, Chelsea Ruby.
“The Tourism Works program is a wonderful resource for anyone looking to gain experience in a thriving industry,” Ruby said.
In his remarks, Morrisey highlighted West Virginia’s $8.7 billion tourism industry and its importance to the state’s economic well-being and sustained growth.
“Visitor spending supports more than 60,000 jobs total, and as many as 73,000 are employed in the leisure and hospitality sectors in the state,” Morrisey said. “That’s a lot when you think about the workforce participation we have. Tourism is a huge driver.”
The initiative is part of his administration’s “Backyard Brawl” strategy to enhance West Virginia’s competitiveness and economic growth with its border states.
“We know from our research that there are over 21,000 job opportunities they’re going to open up annually over the next five years, and almost half of them will be in management level positions,” Morrisey said. “These are good paying jobs, and these are reasons for people to stay in West Virginia or for new people to come visit our great state.”
The free online training program is available to all 55 counties and middle and high schoolers are eligible and encouraged to enroll.
Blue Ridge Community and Technical College partnered with the tourism department to create the online course, which will earn the student one hour of transferable college credit.
According to a press release, all West Virginians, not just those seeking college credit, are encouraged to enroll in the course.
“Our tourism and hospitality industry is one of the best in the country, and it will be a crucial part of West Virginia’s economic future,” Morrisey said. “The new Tourism Works program builds on our welcoming and friendly culture, ensuring every visitor to West Virginia feels at home in the Mountain State.”
