West Virginia’s Tourism Industry matches more than $5 million to attract visitors to the state 

Approved requests representing tourism projects from across the state include:

·         ACE Adventure Resort – Applicant funding requirement:  $296,524.00; state match:  $296,524.00

ACE Adventure Resort’s 2009 theme will reinforce the state’s message by emphasizing West Virginia as an outdoor playground.  As Americans take shorter vacations, ACE’s theme “More Adventure Per Gallon,” will address the consumer’s time and budget constraints while providing an experience of a lifetime.  ACE’s marketing program will use their target markets of Ohio, Virginia, Washington, D.C., Michigan and North Carolina for Internet, direct mail, print media, and travel shows to get the word out.

·         Adventure WV Resort – Applicant funding requirement:  $220,656.25; state match:  $220,656.25

The goal of Adventure West Virginia Resort in this campaign is to attract new visitors to Southern West Virginia and increase length of stay by strengthening awareness of the diversity of activities offered within the region.  Their project includes the development of customized packaging that meets the diverse needs of their guests.  Partners packaging within this project receive year round promotion through print and Internet media as well as targeted direct mail.

·         Canaan Valley Resort – Applicant funding requirement:  $140,100.00; state match:  $140,100.00

Canaan Valley Resort’s “Discover the Highlands” is a cooperative venture among numerous partners in the area.  This partnership will allow Canaan Valley Resort to increase the amount of activities and lodging options they offer to potential guests and will give the partners a presence in a targeted advertising campaign.  Media selections are based on geographic markets of the District of Columbia Metro area, Virginia, West Virginia and Ohio, which reach key demographic groups of families, adventure and nature travelers, skiers, etc.

·         Cantrell’s Canoes & Rafts doing business as Cantrell Ultimate Rafting - Applicant funding requirement:  $52,612.00; state match:  $52,612.00

The goal of Cantrell Ultimate Rafting’s campaign is to offer adventures for any skill level or age, while providing new and past visitors with multiple lodging opportunities designed for the individual guest.  The company proposes to target Washington, D.C, Ohio and the Southeast region through print and Internet advertising, as well as trade shows in Richmond, Cleveland, Charlotte and Indianapolis.

·         Charles Town Races and Slots – Applicant funding requirement:  355,390.72; state match 355,390.72

Charles Town Races and Slots (CTRS) has focused its marketing efforts in Washington, D.C., and Baltimore markets by utilizing print, radio television and direct mail.  The organization will also use its database to identify currently known customers and target them with incentives, promotions and other offers to drive visitation and increase length of stay to the Charles Town facility and the Eastern Panhandle.  CTRS will also partner with Locust Hill Golf Course, inviting out-of-state visitors to the Eastern Panhandle to “stay ‘n’ play.”

·         Fayette-Mercer-Raleigh County Winter Coalition – Applicant funding requirement:  $289,551.00; state match:  $289,551.00

Winterplace Ski Resort teamed up with 13 area hotels and motels within Fayette, Raleigh and Mercer counties in this cooperative program to attract destination skiers for multiple nights in hotels and multiple days of skiing among individuals, families and groups.  The program will utilize print, broadcast, and Internet media to target visitors in West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky and Alabama, as well as direct mail to new and returning guests.

·         Greater Bridgeport Convention & Visitors Bureau – Applicant funding requirement:  $36,000.00; state match:  $36,000.00

The Greater Bridgeport Convention & Visitors Bureau recently developed the Bridgeport Golf Trail consisting of three golf courses within a 30-minute drive of Bridgeport, and within a 300 mile radius of their target markets within this campaign.  In addition to golf, visitors will be introduced to numerous recreational opportunities and attractions within the community.  Print, broadcast, and Internet media will be utilized as well as trade shows in markets including Cincinnati, Eastern Ohio, Pittsburgh, West Virginia, Maryland and New York.

·         Greater Morgantown Convention & Visitors Bureau – Applicant funding requirement:  $283,935.00; state match:  $283,935.00

The Greater Morgantown Convention & Visitors Bureau’s goal in this project is to continue to increase overnight stays and economic impact of tourism in the area by expanding their marketing efforts in the leisure, conference, and sports and special events markets.  The campaign targets the Southeast, Mid Atlantic and Mid West regions and includes print, broadcast, Internet and outdoor advertising as well as trade shows in target markets, including Washington, D.C., Charleston, Pittsburgh and Baltimore.

·         The Greenbrier – Applicant funding requirement:  $705,276.17; state match:  $555,814.81

The Greenbrier will focus its marketing efforts within this campaign on direct mail to its current database of past guests and from new prospects acquired through purchased lists.  The Greenbrier County CVB has partnered in this project which will create additional brand awareness and provide exposure to the wide array of rich recreational, cultural and historical activities found within Greenbrier County and other parts of the state.

 -         Hatfield-McCoy Region Recreation Area – Applicant funding requirement:  $157,115.50; state match:  $157,115.50

The Hatfield-McCoy Trails project includes promotion of the trail system as well as their National Trail Fest event.  The campaign will expand advertising efforts through print, broadcast and Internet media targeted to outdoor enthusiasts, both nationally and regionally. Upgrades to their website, as well as trade shows in Cleveland, Charlotte, Harrisburg and Indianapolis also are included.

 ·         Lewis County Convention & Visitors Bureau – Applicant funding requirement:  $10,412.00; state match:  $10,412.00

The Lewis County Convention & Visitors Bureau plans to advertise in the West Virginia 2009 Official Travel Guide in order to promote their attractions and accommodations to a broader audience.  The CVB will also overhaul their Web site in order to update graphics and improve navigation.  They will continue to highlight attractions, hotels and other accommodations as well as outdoor water activities. 

 ·         Mountain Lakes Convention & Visitors Bureau – Applicant funding requirement:  $61,382.75; state match:  $61,382.75

This project targets individuals, couples, families and groups seeking outdoor recreation in a beautiful destination that combines heritage and developed attractions.  Advertising includes print, broadcast and online media to match the interests of their target audience in markets including Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, District of Columbia and Northwestern Virginia.

 ·         Mountaineer Casino Racetrack and Resort – Applicant funding requirement:  $163,481.53; state match:  $163,481.53

The “Mountaineer Casino Racetrack and Resort We’re the Reel Deal” is designed to attract new table games players and slot players via direct mail, radio, TV, print and billboard advertising in Ohio and Pennsylvania.  The campaign also is designed to help promote trip frequency among existing players via direct mail with rewards programs and special offers.

 ·         Oglebay Resort – Applicant funding requirement:  $613,826.50; state match:  $613,826.50

Oglebay Resort and Conference Center will continue to aggressively promote its facilities including, overnight accommodations, a spa, meeting and conference center, 72 holes of golf, shopping, dining, a zoo, seasonal festivals and various recreational activities.  Pittsburgh, Columbus and Cleveland markets will be targeted with a combination of print, broadcast, direct mail and tradeshows in order to attract individual visitors and groups. 

·         Parkersburg/Wood County Convention & Visitors Bureau – Applicant funding requirement:  $401,101.00; state match:  $401,101.00

This campaign will target visitors in northern and central Ohio, western Pennsylvania and West Virginia through print, broadcast and Internet media as well as direct mail and trade shows.  A series of ads within the program will also include special hotel packages to create additional incentives for individuals to visit the area and stay overnight.

 ·         Pocahontas County Convention & Visitors Bureau – Applicant funding requirement:  $99,480.93; state match:  $99,480.92

The 2009 Family, Friends and Forests campaign was designed to increase individual visitors and motor coach groups to the area.  Part of the project includes an innovative, collaborative effort among Pocahontas, Greenbrier and Randolph counties to produce and advertise packages that include 3, 5 and 7 day tri-county itineraries to increase motor coach visitors. 

·         Potomac Highlands Travel Council – Applicant funding requirement:  $12,020.50; state match:  $12,020.50

The purpose of this campaign is to encourage potential travelers to the Potomac Highland region through print advertising in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions, including Washington, D.C., Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Delaware.

·         Putnam County Convention & Visitors Bureau – Applicant funding requirement:  $16,027.00; state match $16,027.00

The Putnam County Convention & Visitors Bureau’s project contains special events advertising, including the Civil War Weekend which attracts on the average more than 10,000 visitors with 300 re-enactors from at least 17 states. They also will partner with the Hurricane CVB and Putnam County Parks and Recreation for print advertising.

·         Raleigh Southern/Central WV Tourism Coalition – Applicant funding requirement:  $292,773.75; state match:  $292,773.75

The Resort at Glade Springs will focus their promotion on golf, family, family reunions, skiing and conference and group meetings by promoting through print media, Internet media and direct mailing, reaching potential visitors within a four-hour drive. 

·         River Expeditions – Applicant funding requirement:  $246,865.00; state match:  $246,865.00

River Expeditions’ campaign includes partnering with 12 tourism businesses, and utilizes print, broadcast, and Internet media as well as direct mail and trade shows, to increase visitor days and promote return visits.  Target markets include Ohio, West Virginia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Virginia.

·         River Riders – Applicant funding requirement:  $49,852.50; state match:  $49,852.50

The goal of this project is to attract active families, college students, young adults and groups, including corporate, scouts and youth to visit and stay longer in the Eastern Panhandle.  River Riders Inc. and their partners will promote and educate potential visitors to attractions, lodging, and dining opportunities available.  Print media and trade shows are targeted to the Washington, D.C., and Baltimore metro areas.

·         Songer Whitewater – Applicant funding requirement:  $86,278.58; state match:  $86,278.57

Come Out and Play – ’09 (COP-09) is designed to develop new markets and attract more visitors for longer stays in order to increase visitor expenditures to Songer, their partners, and the local economy.  COP-09 has been designed to achieve these goals through print and Internet media, direct mail and trade shows.  Markets include Ohio, Michigan, Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia and North Carolina.

·         Southern WV Convention & Visitors Bureau – Applicant funding requirement:  $272,747.50; state match:  $272,747.50

The Southern West Virginia Convention and Visitors Bureau’s ’09 campaign consists of 350+ partners, working collaboratively through print, broadcast and Internet media to raise awareness of the region by addressing every aspect of trip planning and packaging in an effort to deliver an exceptional travel experience to both past and prospective visitors.  Target markets include Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia, Florida, New York, Michigan, North Carolina, Maryland and Illinois.

·         Stonewall Resort – Applicant funding requirement:  $288,365.08; state match:  $288,365.07

The primary goal of this campaign is to continue to increase the number of leisure guests attracted to golf, spa, outdoor recreation, special events and culinary assets of the resort through print, broadcast, and Internet media as well as direct mail in the District of Columbia, West Virginia, Virginia and Pennsylvania.   

 ·         Summersville Convention & Visitors Bureau – Applicant funding requirement:  $29,355.06; state match:  $29,355.06

The Summersville Convention & Visitors Bureau will expand their advertising efforts by promoting a variety of recreational opportunities and attractions through print media in Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland and North Carolina.  A portion of this campaign will also focus the region to Canadian travelers.

·         Three Rivers Travel Council – Applicant funding requirement:  $22,395.98; state match:  $22,395.97

The Three Rivers Travel Council will promote their numerous river activities as well as cultural and historic attractions and events, fishing, hunting, and lodging opportunities. The campaign includes print, broadcast and Internet media to leisure visitors and groups, primarily in Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia and the District of Columbia.

 ·         Tucker County Convention & Visitors Bureau – Applicant funding requirement:  $83,743.33 ; state match:  $83,743.32

The primary goals of this project are to increase visitation and overnight stays to the Tucker County, Canaan Valley, Blackwater Falls area.  The Tucker County Convention & Visitors Bureau campaign will promote its unique natural and outdoor recreational attractions and cultural events with a targeted program, including print, broadcast and Internet media in the Mid-Atlantic region, Metro District of Columbia and surrounding states.

 ·         WV Ski Areas Association – Applicant funding requirement:  $32,900.00; state match:  $32,900.00

The WV Ski Areas Association campaign will promote the seven ski areas throughout the state with a multi-media marketing campaign to their key markets of Washington, D.C., Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland and Ohio.

 ·         Wheeling Island Hotel Casino Racetrack – Applicant funding requirement:  $132,448.52; state match:  $132,448.52

This campaign will promote Wheeling Island Hotel Casino Racetrack, the City of Wheeling and West Virginia throughout the tri-state region, with heavy concentration on the metro markets of Pittsburgh and Columbus.  The program includes print, radio and direct mail promoting an amenity-packed destination for gaming, leisure, events, conferences and recreation.

·         Wildwater Expeditions – Applicant funding requirement:  $50,320.00; state match:  $50,320.00

The Stay and Play 2009 project will diversify the efforts of Wildwater Expeditions by expanding their current client base through focusing on Washington, D.C./Northern Virginia, Indianapolis and West Virginia markets.  Partners within the campaign include outdoor adventure, attraction and lodging companies. 

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