Lawmakers gathered at Stonewall Resort in Lewis County on Sunday to begin three days of legislative interim meetings, with a spotlight on two major priorities: boosting tourism and rethinking economic development.
Tourism Department Shows Strong Growth
Chelsea Ruby, Cabinet Secretary for the West Virginia Department of Tourism, presented to the Joint Standing Committee on Government Organization. She gave lawmakers a deep dive into the department’s current projects, performance, and long-term goals.
Ruby, who was reappointed by Gov. Patrick Morrisey in January, highlighted how the state’s approach to tourism has evolved over the past eight years. “We’ve grown into an organization that doesn’t just promote attractions, but also supports workforce development, tax credits, and community growth,” she explained.
Despite a reduction in staffing—from nearly 67 employees in 2015 to 47 today—the department’s budget has more than quadrupled, rising from $8.1 million to nearly $36 million for fiscal year 2026. Most of that growth, Ruby noted, is going straight into marketing and advertising, not administration.
That investment appears to be paying off. The tourism sector now generates a whopping $8.7 billion in economic impact, supports over 60,000 jobs, and brings in more than $1 billion in state tax revenue—a first for West Virginia. Visitor spending is also up 23% since 2019, well above the national average of 9%.
Each day, tourists spend about $17 million in the state, which equates to roughly $835 per household in tax savings.
Creative Marketing and Future Plans
Ruby walked lawmakers through the department’s creative strategies—ranging from animated billboards in big cities to nostalgic sing-alongs using “Take Me Home, Country Roads” at sports stadiums. The campaign also includes ads in national magazines like Garden and Gun and Afar, along with targeted digital outreach.
The department is currently focusing on travelers from surrounding metro areas like Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C., especially those within a five-to-six-hour drive or with access to direct flights to the state.
Ruby also outlined goals for the future, including:
- A trademark licensing program
- Tourism workforce training
- More online booking options for state parks
- Innovative digital advertising and measurement tools
Changes Coming to Economic Development
Meanwhile, in a separate session, Nicholas Preservati, director of the West Virginia Office of Energy, updated lawmakers on upcoming structural changes to the state’s economic development operations.
Starting July 1, the Department of Economic Development will officially transition from a standalone department back into a division under the Department of Commerce.
“We’re taking a fresh look at everything from the ground up,” Preservati said. “Our goal is to align economic development more closely with energy and workforce policy, ensuring they all follow the same guiding principles.”
He made it clear that the shift is about adapting to current federal funding opportunities and state priorities—not criticizing the previous administration.
“I want to be respectful of the many successes the past administration had,” Preservati told lawmakers. “But we’re now taking a direction that reflects the vision of Gov. Morrisey and the current economic climate.”
What’s Next for Lawmakers?
Over the next two days, legislators will take part in private, members-only tours of local businesses, state and federal agencies, and regional tourism destinations. These behind-the-scenes visits aim to give lawmakers a clearer picture of the opportunities and challenges facing Central and North Central West Virginia.
As the state looks ahead, tourism and economic development appear to be two key pieces in shaping a more prosperous future for all West Virginians.
