Board meetings, strategic plans, and buyer signals from Lauren Hough Bodnar’s organization
Jan 12, 2026·StrategicPlan
Board
West Virginia Department of Tourism Program Plan 2030
The Tourism Works program, initiated by the West Virginia Department of Tourism, is designed to prepare for and support an anticipated increase in job opportunities within the state's tourism industry, with 21,000 annual openings projected through 2030. Funded by a $5.1 million grant, the program's primary goals are to Train Your Team, Educate Our Communities, and Shape Our Future, ensuring West Virginians acquire the necessary skills for tourism roles and businesses can effectively upskill their existing staff.
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The meeting included a tourism report from the second quarter of 2024, which showed significant recovery in visitor spending since the pandemic. There was also discussion of new marketing agency changes, with Miles Partnership focusing on brand marketing, the Zimmerman Group overseeing public relations, and Artisan Council specializing in social media marketing. An international tourism presentation highlighted strategies for international marketing, and there was a recap of the Governor's School on Tourism. The council was updated on workforce initiatives, including tourism education in all 55 counties and the addition of new tourism-related programs at colleges and technical schools.
Apr 18, 2024·BoardMeeting
Board
Tourism Advisory Council Meeting Minutes
The Tourism Advisory Council convened to discuss various topics, including updates on the West Virginia tourism industry's performance in the first quarter of the year, highlighting visitor rates, social media success, and public relations efforts. The council also reviewed the Economic Development Tax Credit and the rollout of the Almost Heaven Brand merchandising in WV State Parks. Presentations were given on the Governor's School for Tourism, with discussions on curriculum development and student preparation. Additionally, the council discussed workforce training programs and an upcoming in-person meeting at the Governor's Conference on Tourism.
Jan 22, 2024·BoardMeeting
Board
Tourism Advisory Council Meeting Minutes
The meeting included a report from the Secretary of Tourism, covering public relations, market expansion, cooperative advertising, and the proposed budget for the upcoming year. The Train Your Team Program was discussed, which provides funds for tourism organizations' training needs. Committee reports were given, including updates on the Economic Development Committee's review of the Tourism Development Act Tax Credit and the BuildWV Tax Credit Program. The Tourism Workforce Committee discussed the Department of Education initiative for field trip funding and the Tourism Works online training modules being developed by Blue Ridge Community and Technical College.
Extracted from official board minutes, strategic plans, and video transcripts.
