SENATE RESOLUTION 7

(By Senators Blair (Mr. President), Barrett, Caputo, Jeffries, Maynard, Phillips, Queen, Swope, Takubo, Trump, Woodrum, Maroney, Deeds, Nelson, and Taylor)

[Introduced January 22, 2024]

Designating January 22, 2024, as West Virginia Tourism Day at the Legislature.

Whereas, Tourism showcases the natural beauty of West Virginia and what it proudly offers our West Virginia citizens and visitors to our state; and

Whereas, The Mountain State has four beautiful seasons with each providing unique opportunities to experience West Virginia; and

Whereas, West Virginia’s natural paradise is home to an array of world-class tourism establishments that promote culture, art, and history; and

Whereas, West Virginia's rugged terrain is encompassed entirely by lush Appalachian Mountains that invite you to experience some of the best trails, lakes, mountain overlooks, and rivers visited each year by millions; and

Whereas, The importance of tourism to West Virginians can be seen in our small, rural towns and metropolitan areas where tourism-related businesses welcome visitors each year, helping their local economies flourish and contributing to the vitality of these communities; and

Whereas, The West Virginia State Legislature consistently, enthusiastically, and generously champions tourism statewide earning the gratitude of the industry for their continued support; and

Whereas, Tourism industry partners from across the state have gathered in the State’s Capitol today to recognize the occasion and highlight the growing statewide and regional contributions of travel and tourism; and

Whereas, Students from Nicholas County Career and Technical Center have also traveled to the State’s Capitol today to promote the educational programs that are preparing them for the state’s expanding hospitality and tourism workforce; and

Whereas, Tourism industry partners located all across the state help to showcase the best version of Almost Heaven, generating over $7 billion, the highest ever recorded economic impact for tourism in West Virginia last year; and

Whereas, The secret is out and West Virginia is now recognized as an international bucket-list destination by top-tier publications; and

Whereas, Through their hard work and legendary hospitality, West Virginia’s tourism businesses contribute nearly $2 billion in annual income and support over 59,000 jobs for hardworking West Virginians; and

Whereas, Travelers spend $14.5 million on average per day in the state; and

Whereas, The tourism industry generates $887 in tax revenue annually and contributes $715 per West Virginia household in state and local tax revenues to support maintaining government services; and

Whereas, West Virginia’s tourism industry continues to grow each year, making the state’s citizens proud to call this majestic destination their home; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate:

That the Senate hereby designates January 22, 2024, 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.