PARKERSBURG, WV – A recent study released by the West Virginia Division of Tourism revealed that tourism continues to be a growth industry in West Virginia as well as in Wood County and the Mid-Ohio Valley Region.
Dean Runyan Associates prepared the report for the West Virginia Division of Tourism office that documented the economic significance of the travel industry in West Virginia from 2000 to 2006. The report shows the level of traveler spending by visitors traveling to and within West Virginia and the impact of this spending in terms of earnings, employment and tax revenue.
For West Virginia travel destinations the total direct spending, in millions, by visitors was $2,400 in 2000 and $3,974 in 2006. This shows an increase of $1,574 million dollars in six consecutive years. According to the study, the significance of the visitor impact to local economies can be very substantial in some of West Virginia’s destination areas.
“Breaking down these numbers for Wood County we can see that the total direct spending, in millions, by visitors at travel destinations in Wood County alone was $77.7 in 2000 and $100.9 in 2006. This shows an increase of $23.2 million dollars in tourism spending to our county alone,” Greater Parkersburg Convention & Visitors Bureau President Steve Nicely said.
“The tourism industry in Wood County employs 1,120 individuals,” Nicely said. “It is a viable industry that has exponential growth potential in the future, both in terms of spending and employment.”
From this report, the following information was obtained for the Mid-Ohio Valley region (which includes Calhoun, Jackson, Pleasants, Ritchie, Roane, Wirt, and Wood Counties).
For the Mid-Ohio Valley the total direct spending, in millions, by visitors to the area was $122.7 in 2000 and $165.2 in 2006. This shows an approximate increase of $42.5 in travel spending by visitors to the local and surrounding areas. Tourism spending increases were also experienced by hotels and motels and from day travelers.
Dean Runyan Associates also reported that the recreation and tourism industry as one of the most significant industries worldwide, and a leading growth sector in North America. Travel industry businesses, attractions and destination communities are all experiencing the opportunities and challenges of growth.
Dean Runyan Associates, located in Portland, Oregon, specializes in economic and market research for travel, tourism and recreation across the United States. For more information visit www.deanrunyan.com.
The Greater Parkersburg Convention and Visitors Bureau was organized in 1985 and is an independent, nonprofit corporation dedicated to strengthening the area's economy by marketing Greater Parkersburg as a destination for leisure travel, group tours, meetings and conventions. The Bureau is devoted to providing appropriate services for visitors and its partners. For more information on the region’s tourism industry visit www.greaterparkersburg.com
###
Posted on: November 13, 2007
