Randolph Officials Report Busy Tourism Season
By CARRA HIGGINS, Staff Writer(Editor's Note: this the first in a series that explores the economic affects of tourism on the regional area.)
In Randolph County, private and public dollars are being invested to draw tourists to the "Heart of West Virginia" year-round. So far, entrepreneurs and community leaders say their visions are taking shape. From Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend, tourist destinations in the county were more popular than ever, and an even bigger fall season is ahead.
Randolph County Convention and Visitors Bureau planned for a slow summer tourism season - instead traffic at the CVB doubled from last year, according to CVB Executive Director Brenda Pritt.
The American Mountain Theater, train rides on the Durbin and Greenbrier Valley Railroad, the Allegheny Highlands Trail and the well-known natural surroundings draw tourists to Randolph County, Pritt said. Increased fuel prices and a poor economy have made Randolph County the destination for residents of Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia, Pritt said.
"There's something going on every weekend," Pritt said.
Elkins is like a hub, Pritt explained. It's a central location for those who want to experience attractions in Randolph and surrounding counties, Pritt said.
Holiday Inn Express General Manager Jill Jefferies sees her guests use Elkins' central location to their advantage. Multiple night stays in Elkins allow tourists to take advantage of day trips to surrounding areas, Jefferies explained.
Often guests will ask Jefferies and her employees advice on where to eat and shop in Elkins, she said, and many of her guests enjoy walking through downtown.
President and producer of American Mountain Theater Kenny Sexton says the venue has done what he set out to do - increase visitors. So far this year, 90 tour buses have brought visitors to see Sexton's show, he said. By year's end, Sexton expects to host approximately 240 buses. As a CPA, Sexton is mindful of calculations, he said bus numbers have "met or exceeded projections."
The AMT has "revolutionized" the tourism industry in the area, Sexton said. Before the AMT opened in the railyard, many came to town to ride the train and then left, Sexton said. Now that the railyard is home to two major attractions, people are staying the night.
Package deals are also keeping tourists in town longer, Sexton said. The package includes AMT shows, train rides, overnight lodging and meals.
Durbin and Greenbrier Valley Railroad owner John Smith has also seen his business increase within the last year thanks in part to the development of the railyard. Since May, 120 buses filled with tourists participated in Smith's train excursions, he said. To meet increased business demands, Smith schedules train rides especially for bus groups.
If the train tunnel near Kelly Mountain had not collapsed in July, Smith said his summer business could have been better. Some groups canceled their trips upon hearing the train could not pass the tunnel until repairs were completed, Smith explained. Work at the tunnel was completed earlier this month.
Workers and volunteers at the depot said they have met guests from across the globe. Many of whom are impressed with the town, prompting home buyers guides to fly off the shelves, according to one volunteer.
Summer was only the beginning for Smith and Sexton. Both said they are preparing for a busy fall - Randolph County's strongest tourism season.
Jefferies said 75 percent of her guests are tourists, most of whom are in town to ride the trains and see the show at the AMT. From summer until last count on Friday, occupancy rate at the 69-room hotel has been at 95 percent, Jefferies said. She, too, doesn't expect it to slow down during the upcoming months - 50 additional buses are scheduled to stay the night at her hotel. Since May, 15 buses have stayed at the Holiday Inn Express.
Major attractions are bringing people to Randolph County, but there is still work to be done before businesses in downtown Elkins will experience more benefits, according to Elkins-Randolph County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Ellen Spears.
(The second part of this series, in Monday's edition of The Inter-Mountain, will focus on local business owners' perspectives on the impact of tourism.)
