Tourism Spending Report Shows Growth Concentrated Near the New River Gorge

A statewide tourism spending report released this month shows continued visitor spending growth concentrated heavily around the New River Gorge region, while other parts of the state saw more modest gains in tourism-related revenue. Economic development officials describe the gorge region's growth as a genuine economic bright spot, but say it has also raised questions about how to spread tourism's economic benefits more broadly across the state.

"The New River Gorge has become a real driver, and Beckley and the surrounding communities are feeling it directly through lodging, food service, and outfitting businesses," said one regional tourism official. "The challenge now is figuring out how other regions can build something similar without simply competing for the same visitors."

Spreading the Benefit

State tourism officials say they are exploring marketing strategies aimed at directing New River Gorge visitors toward other regions, including historic sites in the Eastern Panhandle and cultural attractions along the Ohio River. Local business owners near the gorge, meanwhile, say they are focused on managing continued growth responsibly, citing concerns about strain on local infrastructure during peak visitation periods.

The report is expected to inform state tourism marketing budget decisions for the coming year, with officials signaling interest in more targeted regional campaigns rather than a single statewide approach.