Business owners and tourism industry leaders from across the Potomac Highlands converged in Canaan Valley Tuesday to participate in the free exchange of ideas and information.
In West Virginia, tourism is a $4.38 billion industry that affects every county in the state. The Division of Tourism, as well as local convention and visitors bureaus, host regional roundtables to foster discussions. Mainly, the groups focus on ways the Division of Tourism can assist local businesses. However, tourism Commissioner Betty Carver said the events are about sharing visions.
"This is about networking," she said. "They (the attendees) may have a great suggestion; they may have a criticism."
Information from the roundtables have transformed the West Virginia tourism Web site already, according to Carver. From places to stay and things to do to where to find snowshoes and the best country roads for motorcyclers. "Niche" sites have emerged from previous roundtables and the steps are in place for businesses to continue to join in the information listings.
Vic Thacker, a member of the West Virginia Sesquicentennial Commission, announced "a major tourism event" planned for 2011. The 150th anniversary of the Civil War will be marked next year and will provide educational opportunities and interest for tourists. A planning meeting for the event is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. today at the Randolph County Community Arts Center. Significant Civil War activity occurred in area counties including Barbour, Randolph, Tucker and Pocahontas.
Executive Director of the Potomac Highlands Travel Council Bonnie Branciaroli spoke about the types of marketing the West Virginia Mountain Highlands offers. While the Division of Tourism and local CVBs help promote specific areas, Branciaroli has a more broad view. She wants people throughout the country to know about and visit the Potomac Highlands region.
"You just don't market a county," Branciaroli said. "We're marketing the mountains. I want those people over there in Myrtle Beach to come to the highlands."
The Division of Tourism and other CVBs will host seven more Regional Roundtables in the coming weeks. The next event will be at Jackson's Mill on April 7 to touch base with the businesses in the Mountain Lakes region.
