Charleston, W.Va. - West Virginia Will Join Hundreds Of Cities, States And Travel-Related Businesses Nationwide In Celebration Of The 25th Annual National Tourism Week By Proclaiming West Virginia Tourism Week May 10-18. This Year's Theme, "Discover Great American Traditions," Encourages Travel To American Locales And Highlights The Role That Tourism Plays In Discovering The Icons Of A Destination.
These Events Celebrate The Value And Scope Of The Nation's $740 Billion Travel And Tourism Industry, And The Economic And Social Contributions It Brings Locally To The Mountain State.
"I Know A Lot Of West Virginians Are Concerned About The Costs Of Gas And How It Will Affect Their Vacation Budgets," Said Gov. Joe Manchin. "I Encourage Our Families To Look Right Here At Home For A Great New Vacation Idea That Could Save Them Some Money On Gas."
Hotels And Meeting Facilities, Attractions, Restaurants And Transportation Providers Are Among The Businesses Greatly Affected By Travel To And Within West Virginia. "This Industry Employs 44,000 People, Generates $3.97 Billion In Economic Activity And Touches Our State In Countless Other Ways," Said Tourism Commissioner Betty Carver.
West Virginia Tourism Week Celebrates The People Who Visit And Tour The State, The Workforce That Provides Tourism And Travel Services, And The Economic Development That Is Created As A Result.
"Because Of My Job, I'm Really Lucky To Get To Travel Across Our Beautiful State," Said Manchin. "And Each Time I Travel To One Of Our Great Small Towns Or Terrific State Parks Or Resorts, Even If I've Been There Before, I'm Amazed At The New Things I Discover With Each Visit. We All Really Should Get Out And Explore West Virginia More Often."
Nationwide, The U.S. Travel Industry Directly Employs 7.5 Million People, Generates Payroll Of $178 Billion And Tax Revenues Of About $110 Billion. Visitors To The U.S. Spent More Here Than U.S. Residents Traveling Abroad, Creating A Positive Balance Of Trade Of $8.3 Billion For The National Economy. Travel Expenditures Within The United States Total $740 Billion.
Tourists And West Virginia Residents Are Encouraged To Call The 1-800-Call Wva Hotline Or Visit A Welcome Center To Learn About Events Taking Place During Tourism Week And Throughout The Summer. Travel Counselors Can Also Help Callers Find Destinations For Vacations, Weekend Getaways And Daytrips. The Official State Tourism Web Site www.Callwva.Com, Provides Comprehensive Travel And Event Information As Well.
304-558-2003, ext. 315