SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 31
(By Senators Browning, McCabe, D. Facemire, Helmick, Williams,
Kessler, Unger, Snyder, Stollings, Oliverio, Chafin, Hall,
Jenkins, Laird and Minard)
Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study how
West Virginia can implement a plan to fully develop the
tourism industry in West Virginia.
Whereas, Travel spending in West Virginia has continuously
increased every year since 2000; and
Whereas, Economic impact from direct travel spending in West
Virginia totaled $4.38 billion in 2008; and
Whereas, Travel spending directly supports 44,000 jobs in West
Virginia; and
Whereas, Millions of travel-related dollars are generated
annually in every West Virginia county (from $1.3 million to $729.3
million); and
Whereas, West Virginia's landscape, culture and history
present tourism development opportunity in every county; and
Whereas, West Virginia tourism generated 14 million overnight
visitors and 40 million day-trip visitors in 2008; and
Whereas, West Virginia is situated within a day's drive of a
large proportion of the United States population; and
Whereas, The tourism industry serves as West Virginia's
front-line representatives to the traveling public; and
Whereas, Outdoor recreation pursuits in West Virginia far
outpace the national average; and
Whereas, Cultural and heritage tourism pursuits outpace the
national average; and
Whereas, Tourism attractions and activities positively
contribute to the quality of life for West Virginians; and
Whereas, Tourism attractions and activities therefore attract
businesses to West Virginia; and
Whereas, Despite the economic downturn, West Virginia has
remained stronger in tourism-generated revenues than other
neighboring states; and
Whereas, Without tourism tax revenues, West Virginia residents
would have to pay an additional $799 in annual state and local
taxes to maintain current levels of service; and
Whereas, There is no centralized long-term planning at the
state level that assesses the strengths and weaknesses of the
state's tourism industry, coordinate various initiatives, and
provide strategies to develop, improve and expand tourism
industries; and
Whereas, Because the continuing growth and development of West
Virginia's economy is of major concern to all our citizens
it is in the best interest of the State of West Virginia to implement a plan
for the State of West Virginia to develop the tourism industry to
the fullest extent possible in order to further diversify West
Virginia's economy; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby
requested to study the
implementation of a comprehensive analysis
and action plan to fully develop the tourism industry in West
Virginia, including the future development of events, attractions,
and facilities in the State of West Virginia; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and
Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2011, on
its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts
of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations;
and, be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this
study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be
paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on
Government and Finance.