SENATE RESOLUTION 7

(By Senators Carmichael (Mr. President), Baldwin, Cline, Hamilton, Palumbo, Roberts, Rucker, and Stollings)

[Introduced January 14, 2020]

Designating January 15, 2020, as Tourism Day at the Legislature.

Whereas, West Virginia’s scenic beauty, four seasons, and unmatched outdoor recreation set the stage for a first-class tourism product that is well-positioned for long-term growth and development; and

Whereas, The tourism industry in West Virginia has celebrated tremendous gains over the past two years with the launch of the new Almost Heaven campaign, including 9.9 percent growth in traveler spending; and

Whereas, Growth in West Virginia’s tourism industry is outpacing the national growth rate by 58 percent; and

Whereas, Tourism represents a significant economic impact for both state and local economies, including $4.6 billion in traveler spending and $534.5 million in state and local tax revenue; and

Whereas, The tourism industry supports more than 45,000 jobs annually in West Virginia; and

Whereas, Tourism’s overall impact is supported by thousands of tourism-related businesses that host visitors each year, creating first-class experiences for travelers and helping local economies flourish; and 

Whereas, The West Virginia Tourism Office has significantly increased its marketing efforts both in state and out of state, resulting in over 1.6 billion campaign impressions; and

Whereas, These collective efforts of the West Virginia Tourism Office and tourism industry partners across the state help to showcase the Mountain State as a world-class travel and tourism destination; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate:

That the Senate hereby designates January 15, 2020, as Tourism Day at the Legislature; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the West Virginia Tourism Commission.