SENATE RESOLUTION 9

(By Senators Weld, Trump, Roberts, Hamilton, Baldwin, Caputo, Jeffries, Stollings, Plymale, Nelson, and Lindsay)

[Introduced January 18, 2022]

Designating January 19, 2022, as West Virginia 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 three years with the launch of the new Almost Heaven campaign, including 14.7 percent growth in traveler spending; and

Whereas, Tourism represents a significant economic impact for both state and local economies, including $4.7 billion in traveler spending and $791 million in state and local tax revenue; and

Whereas, The tourism industry supports more than 47,600 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 Department of Tourism has significantly increased its marketing efforts both in-state and out-of-state; and

Whereas, Public relations efforts by the Department of Tourism have positioned West Virginia as a “must-visit vacation” destination by global publications like TIME magazine, Conde Naste, Lonely Planet, USA Today, Frommers, and more; and

Whereas, The Department of Tourism’s cooperative advertising program has led to nearly $10 million in public-private investment, supporting tourism advertising for more than 70 tourism businesses statewide; and

Whereas, These collective efforts of the Department of Tourism and industry partners across the state help to showcase the Mountain State as a world-class travel and tourism destination; and

Whereas, Tourism is a bright spot in West Virginia’s economy and offers tremendous potential for future growth; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate:

That the West Virginia Senate hereby designates January 19, 2022, as West Virginia 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 Department of Tourism.