During a recent episode of “Just Three Questions!”, recorded at Canaan Valley Resort, Jessica Waldo, executive director of the Tucker County Convention and Visitors Bureau, and WV Secretary of State Kris Warner discussed the role tourism plays in Tucker County and the relationship the CVB, chamber of commerce and local elected officials have with tourism-related businesses.
More than 50 percent of Tucker County consists of state parks, wilderness areas and a wildlife refuge. These outdoor attractions bring in tourists and entrepreneurs alike, generating revenue for the local economy.
“We have a huge outdoor recreation product that people come to visit,” Waldo said. “In turn, local entrepreneurs have opened up art galleries, breweries, dining experiences. So, we have a very strong tourism economy that then in turn supports these entrepreneurs that have opened shops and different lodging and dining opportunities in the area.”
The communities of Thomas and Davis in Tucker County have benefited from the increase in tourism.
“It seems like both communities have reinvented themselves as anchors for the arts, which includes culinary options, entrepreneurs and galleries,” Secretary Warner said.
Waldo responded, “We had some entrepreneurs that took the risk. They were artists not originally from the area and saw the potential. They knew that there was already a tourism economy here and that there were visitors coming that they could potentially sell their wares to.”
She added, “They’ve also given back. Some of them have served on councils of either the Davis or Thomas City Councils. They serve with nonprofits in the community. They’re always willing to donate or help different organizations throughout. And so that is another example of a good partnership with your entrepreneurs and business area.”
The interview with Waldo and other recorded episodes of “Just Three Questions!” can be found on the WVSOS YouTube channel.
