West Virginia Governor on Tourism, Bridge Day, and Government Shutdown

Mitigating Government Shutdown Impacts on Tourism

• 💡 West Virginia took swift action to keep national parks open during the Schumer shutdown, becoming the first state to sign an agreement with the federal government.
• 🎯 This initiative, spearheaded by Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby, aimed to mitigate the economic impact of the shutdown on local communities and the vital tourism industry.
• 🚀 Governor Patrick Morrisey thanked President Trump and Secretary Doug Bergam for their cooperation in protecting West Virginia's tourism.

Record-Breaking Tourism and Key Events

• 📈 West Virginia's tourism industry achieved a record-breaking year with over $9.1 billion in economic impact.
• 🏞️ New River Gorge National Park and Preserve saw a record 1.8 million visitors, a nearly 50% increase since becoming a national park.
• 🌉 Bridge Day is highlighted as a massive upcoming event for tourism and local businesses, with plans to extend park access to ensure its success.
• 💰 A 20% discount is being offered for three-day stays at West Virginia state parks using the code "fallisalmostheaven".

Economic Impact on Small Businesses

• 🛍️ Local businesses, including shops, restaurants, and grocery stores, benefit significantly from tourism, not just hotels.
• 🛶 Businesses like Adventures on the Gorge and Ace Adventure Resort rely on events like Bridge Day and the extended rafting season for revenue.
• 💸 The tourism industry brings outside dollars into the state, supporting lodging, dining, gift shops, and gas stations.

Addressing Concerns and Future Outlook

• ⚠️ The quick action to keep parks open prevented a