West Virginia Joins Florida, Tennessee, North Carolina, Washington, Illinois In Skyrocketing Record Tourism Boom Last Year, Everything You Need To Know

Wednesday, August 6, 2025

West Virginia has proudly joined nan ranks of Florida, Tennessee, North Carolina, Washington, and Illinois successful witnessing a skyrocketing grounds tourism boom past year. Once known mostly for its mountains and music, West Virginia is now making headlines for becoming 1 of nan astir visited places successful nan United States. From scenic drives to charming mini towns, nan Mountain State is drafting successful travellers from each area of nan state and beyond.

But West Virginia isn’t nan only occurrence story. Florida, Tennessee, North Carolina, Washington, and Illinois besides recorded monolithic tourism maturation successful nan past year. These states invested heavy successful earthy attractions, authorities parks, taste experiences and tourism infrastructure. As a result, each saw a historical emergence successful out-of-state visitors and tourism spending. Together, they are rewriting what occurrence successful American recreation looks like.

What makes this roar moreover much breathtaking is really it dispersed crossed different types of destinations. While Florida offered beaches, Tennessee brought euphony and mountains. North Carolina featured hiking trails and coastlines. Washington impressed pinch forests and municipality energy. Illinois drew crowds to parks and culture. And West Virginia, caller to this elite list, welcomed millions pinch its chaotic beauty and lukewarm hospitality.

In this report, you’ll observe everything you request to cognize astir really West Virginia joined Florida, Tennessee, North Carolina, Washington, and Illinois successful this tourism wave. The tourism roar of past twelvemonth is much than conscionable numbers — it’s a ceremony of people, places, and readying done right.

West Virginia Is No Longer a Hidden Gem

West Virginia has amazed nan full state successful 2024. A caller nationalist study reveals that nan authorities now leads nan U.S. successful out-of-state tourism. That intends much visitors are coming to West Virginia than immoderate different authorities erstwhile compared to its population. The numbers are eye-popping. The authorities welcomed almost 42 times much visitors than its ain organization — a immense woody for a authorities that’s often overlooked.

People usually deliberation of assemblage shot aliases countryside drives erstwhile they perceive “West Virginia.” But now, nan authorities is stealing nan spotlight successful nan recreation industry. This unexpected emergence has put West Virginia connected nan radar for families, adventurers and moreover luxury travellers. It’s not conscionable a spot for locals anymore — it’s a nationalist magnet.

Former Governor Justice Takes a Victory Lap

Former Governor and now U.S. Senator Jim Justice didn’t hide his joy. He said this milestone proves nan powerfulness of investing successful nan correct things. During his clip arsenic governor, Justice focused connected showing disconnected West Virginia to nan world. He said he ever believed successful nan group and beauty of his state. Now, that belief is paying disconnected large time.

Justice proudly highlighted nan caller nationalist and authorities parks. He pointed to Summersville Lake State Park and nan New River Gorge National Park arsenic awesome attractions. These sites are bringing successful thousands of caller visitors. And they’re not conscionable looking — they’re spending money and helping mini towns grow. Justice urged leaders to support investing successful tourism. According to him, “West Virginians dangle connected it.”

Tourism Spending Hits $6.3 Billion

The numbers speak for themselves. Tourism spending successful West Virginia deed $6.3 cardinal successful 2023. That’s not conscionable a mini jump. It’s a 23% summation compared to 2019. What’s much astonishing is that it’s much than double nan nationalist mean maturation rate, which was conscionable 9%.

How did this happen? Smart investments. The authorities spent hundreds of millions connected outdoor recreation, roadworthy improvements, and tourism campaigns. Ads showed disconnected nan state’s serene forests, winding rivers, and welcoming towns. People responded. They packed their cars, booked flights, and made their measurement to nan Mountain State.

State Parks and Public Lands Fuel nan Boom

West Virginia’s existent wealth is its land. The authorities is location to 36 authorities parks. These greenish gems welcomed much than 7 cardinal visitors successful conscionable 1 year. But that’s not all. The New River Gorge, now a U.S. nationalist park, is seeing grounds attendance. It has go a awesome of nan state’s caller personality — wild, beautiful and afloat of adventure.

People are coming for hiking, climbing, kayaking and quality walks. But they enactment for much than conscionable nan view. They’re falling successful emotion pinch nan mini upland towns, section diners, and friends faces. This operation of earthy beauty and section charm is precisely what modern travellers want. And West Virginia has it all.

New Hotspots Spark Business Growth

Small towns are turning into tourer hubs. Summersville, Fayetteville and Davis utilized to beryllium quiet places. Not anymore. These towns are now afloat of tourists. That intends much restaurants, cafes, rental cabins and gift shops. Lodging is booked retired during weekends and vacation seasons. Hotels and motels are adding rooms. Campgrounds are expanding.

And this roar brings jobs. Locals are opening businesses and earning income. Young group are staying alternatively of leaving. Tax money is flowing in, which helps hole roads, schools and parks. It’s a affirmative rhythm — much visitors create much chances for everyone. Small-town life is now afloat of opportunity.

Why This Boom Matters for nan Whole State

This isn’t conscionable astir visitors. It’s astir West Virginians. More tourism intends much jobs. It keeps dollars successful nan state. It supports families. It helps mini businesses grow. And it builds pride. People are yet seeing their location nan measurement they ever knew it — afloat of beauty, spot and potential.

But this occurrence needs care. The authorities must support investing successful trails, parks, roads and promotion. Over-tourism could beryllium a consequence if not handled well. Balance is key. The earthy beauty must beryllium protected, and section life should beryllium respected. But done right, this occurrence tin past for decades.

The Role of Strategic Tourism Planning

West Virginia’s roar didn’t hap by chance. Behind nan scenes, experts planned each step. The authorities built caller websites, launched integer ads and worked pinch recreation influencers. They showed disconnected lesser-known places and avoided tourer overcrowding. They besides made recreation easy pinch amended signs, cleanable restrooms and caller facilities.

One standout move was creating Summersville Lake State Park. It gave travellers a caller logic to visit. At nan aforesaid time, nan authorities collaborated pinch nationalist parks to connection much packages and tours. This helped visitors scheme trips crossed respective counties. It dispersed nan benefits and reduced crowding successful celebrated areas.

Where Untamed Wilderness Meets Classic Elegance successful America’s Rising Star State

Welcome to Wild, Wonderful West Virginia

West Virginia, erstwhile seen arsenic a quiet area of America, has quickly transformed into 1 of nan astir sought-after recreation destinations successful nan country. With its record-breaking tourism roar successful 2024, nan Mountain State has redefined itself, offering a striking blend of earthy adventure, humanities significance, luxury stays, and modern connectivity. From nan roaring rapids of nan New River Gorge to nan timeless elegance of The Greenbrier Resort, this destination now sits comfortably alongside nan likes of Florida and Tennessee successful nan nation’s tourism conversation.

Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping activities, a romanticist getaway, aliases a master venue for your adjacent event, West Virginia’s rebirth successful nan recreation segment proves that authenticity, accessibility, and charm ne'er spell retired of style.

Nature’s Playground: West Virginia’s Must-See Attractions

The psyche of West Virginia lies successful its rugged landscapes and pristine wilds. Topping nan database is New River Gorge National Park & Preserve, nan newest summation to America’s National Park system. Known for its jaw-dropping cliffs, verdant forests, and white-water rapids, this parkland draws climbers, kayakers, and photographers from each complete nan world. This earthy marvel has go nan look of nan state’s outdoor tourism boom, offering trails that upwind done ancient stone formations and views that animate full awe.

To nan northeast, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park mixes beauty and history successful cleanable measure. Tucked astatine nan gathering constituent of nan Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, this preserved 19th-century municipality delivers much than a postcard-worthy setting. As a tract of Civil War clashes and abolitionist legacy, it invites visitors to research America’s past while enjoying riverside cafés and scenic hiking routes.

Oglebay Park, meanwhile, stands arsenic 1 of nan state’s finest examples of multi-generational recreation. Spread crossed 2,000 acres successful Wheeling, Oglebay is not conscionable a park—it’s a complete edifice experience. Visitors travel present for nan outdoor spa, golfing, horseback riding, and moreover Segway tours. Add a full-service zoo, seasonal ray shows, and curated family events, and it becomes clear why this destination holds year-round appeal.

For civilization seekers, nan West Virginia State Museum successful Charleston offers an enlightening locomotion done time, while nan Kruger Street Toy & Train Museum successful Wheeling delivers axenic nostalgia. Every attraction is bound together by West Virginia’s signature warmth and storytelling flair.

Event Spaces That Impress: Convention Centres With Character

It’s not conscionable leisure tourism that’s taking disconnected successful West Virginia—business and arena recreation are connected nan emergence too. With well-equipped venues that blend usability pinch flair, nan authorities now caters confidently to some firm and celebratory gatherings.

The Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center stands retired arsenic nan state’s largest arena hub. With complete 50,000 quadrate feet of grounds space, an auditorium, coliseum seating for 11,500+, and aggregate breakout rooms, it seamlessly hosts everything from waste and acquisition expos to arena concerts. Its cardinal location successful nan authorities superior makes it easy accessible while offering visitors a sensation of Charleston’s civilization and eating scene.

Further south, nan Beckley-Raleigh County Convention Center brings elasticity to nan arena readying abstraction pinch its 15,000 quadrate feet of unfastened abstraction and 8 gathering rooms. It’s a premier venue for sports tournaments, civic meetings, and location conferences.

For those seeking thing much bespoke, Stonewall Resort offers a serene lakefront backdrop mixed pinch IACC-certified gathering facilities. Located wrong a authorities park, it’s perfect for executive retreats, weddings, and imaginative workshops. With solid walls looking retired complete nan h2o and rolling hills, nan ambiance present makes moreover business consciousness for illustration a activity of caller air.

These venues underscore nan state’s increasing capacity for master tourism, helping position West Virginia arsenic a superior subordinate successful nan meetings and events sector.

Luxury Stays pinch Old-World Charm

While outdoor escapade is what draws galore travellers to West Virginia, luxury lodging is what often wins their hearts. No destination captures this amended than The Greenbrier. Located successful White Sulphur Springs, this iconic edifice spans complete 11,000 acres and blends classical Southern charm pinch 21st-century indulgence. With 710 impermanent rooms, backstage property homes, and a Presidential Suite, it’s arsenic overmuch a surviving depository arsenic a modern retreat.

The Greenbrier offers much than conscionable accommodation. Visitors are immersed successful a world of spa treatments, title golf, gourmet dining, and boutique shopping. The edifice moreover has a Cold War-era concealed bunker, erstwhile meant for U.S. Congress—a circuit that now offers a rare, thrilling glimpse into American history.

Beyond The Greenbrier, nan authorities is dotted pinch boutique properties that connection some comfortableness and character. Hillbrook Inn & Spa, nestled successful Charles Town, serves arsenic a romanticist flight pinch European-inspired architecture and farm-to-table cuisine. Firefly Ridge Retreat adjacent Berkeley Springs is simply a modern luxury compartment acquisition perfect for families aliases groups. For those staying successful Charleston, The Blennerhassett Hotel adds old-world sophistication successful nan bosom of nan city’s taste district.

Increasingly, these high-end stays are not conscionable pampering options—they are destinations successful themselves, perfectly complementing nan rugged elegance of nan state.

Gateway to nan Mountains: Air Travel Connections

West Virginia’s tourism roar isn’t conscionable astir what’s wrong nan borders—it’s besides astir really easy it is to get there. And caller improvements to location aerial recreation person played a large portion successful welcoming much visitors.

Yeager Airport (CRW) successful Charleston is nan state’s superior aviation hub, handling complete 400,000 passengers successful 2024. It connects nan superior to cardinal hubs including Charlotte, Washington, and Atlanta. Recent enhancements to terminals and formation schedules person improved some nan ratio and entreaty of flying into nan state.

To nan south, Greenbrier Valley Airport (LWB) provides convenient entree to nan edifice and upland areas. With regular connections to Charlotte Douglas International Airport, it supports seamless recreation for guests arriving astatine The Greenbrier and different adjacent luxury stays. The airport’s support done nan national Essential Air Service programme ensures unchangeable formation availability—a cardinal driver of agrarian tourism growth.

Together, these gateways are helping break nan thought of West Virginia being “hard to reach.” Visitors from crossed nan U.S. and beyond are discovering that this once-remote authorities is now only a short formation distant from anyplace connected nan East Coast.

Why It All Works: A State That Knows Its Strengths

The concealed down West Virginia’s tourism emergence isn’t only its mountains, museums, aliases luxurious resorts—it’s really nan authorities has recognised and leaned into its unsocial identity. Rather than mimic coastal metropolises aliases glitzy intermezo hubs, West Virginia celebrates what sets it apart: nature, authenticity, heritage, and hospitality.

By investing successful infrastructure, storytelling, and access, nan authorities has broadened its entreaty without compromising its essence. You tin walk your greeting rafting done Class V rapids, your day stepping done a Civil War town, and your evening sipping vino successful a velvet-lined cocktail bar—all successful nan aforesaid day.

There is besides a refreshing gait to life here. Travellers often speak of really quickly they consciousness connected to nan onshore and people. There’s nary rush, but ever thing to explore. Whether you’re an adventure-seeker, arena planner, aliases luxury lover, nan authorities rolls retired a reddish carpet lined pinch rhododendrons and hand-carved invited signs.

What’s Next: The Future of Travel successful West Virginia

West Virginia is acold from done. Tourism leaders are actively readying description s successful eco-lodging, way networks, and world marketing. With nan occurrence of New River Gorge National Park and nan continued fame of iconic venues for illustration The Greenbrier, momentum is building crossed each sector.

Airport connectivity is expected to increase, pinch further partnerships connected nan horizon. Local towns are investing successful revitalisation projects, attracting distant workers and integer nomads seeking nature-connected lifestyles. And pinch its increasing entreaty to arena planners, nan authorities is poised to compete pinch much established normal destinations.

As sustainability, authenticity, and immersive recreation proceed to specify nan preferences of today’s travellers, West Virginia is not conscionable keeping pace—it’s mounting nan tone. It is simply a spot wherever nan communicative is still unfolding, wherever travellers are not conscionable guests, but portion of a larger activity to rediscover what recreation genuinely means.

Come for nan Views, Stay for nan Soul

In West Virginia, nan scenery captures your eye, but nan tone captures your heart. It’s wherever normal centres place valleys, wherever luxury suites beryllium beside ancient forests, and wherever each winding roadworthy leads to discovery. This is simply a destination guide, yes—but much than that, it’s an invitation. To explore, to rest, to reconnect—with nature, history, and yourself.

A New Chapter for nan Mountain State

West Virginia has opened a caller section successful its story. Once overlooked, now it’s celebrated. The recreation manufacture sees it arsenic a exemplary for really mini states tin lead large change. Its travel shows that earthy beauty, smart readying and beardown activity tin move immoderate spot into a tourer powerhouse.

With rising request for nature-based travel, nan authorities is positioned to shine. Families, hikers, photographers and moreover world visitors are taking notice. West Virginia has thing for everyone — and now nan world knows it.

What Comes Next?

The early looks bright. But it depends connected what happens next. State leaders must proceed backing trails, festivals, cleanups and marketing. They must support section businesses pinch grants and training. If that happens, nan momentum will grow. West Virginia could moreover go a world destination.

For now, it’s clip to celebrate. The Mountain State has made its mark. And it’s only getting started.