By Stephen Smoot
The Pendleton County Convention and Visitors Bureau held its final meeting of 2024 at the Historic McCoy House in Franklin. Attendees enjoyed a lunch with a number of options that included warm apple cider.
Annie Humes, who has served in recent months as the interim executive director, reported that nationally the tourism industry grew by a single percentage point in 2023-24. West Virginia’s however, expanded by 13 percent and Pendleton County’s exceeded even that.
“Not only are we in a state that’s seeing growth, we’re in a county that’s surpassing what the state has,” noted Humes.
Both the state and the county base tourism numbers on hotel-motel tax receipts serve as one of the few reliable indicators of the health of the tourism economy. Jeff Munn, board member, however, suggested that the county CVB might look into another means to measure these revenues. He noted that Air BNB growth in the area has slowed and explained that the CVB needs “different quantifiable measures beyond the hotel-motel tax.”
Also, Pendleton County welcomes a number of day trip visitors who do not use lodging, but spend on food, gasoline, gifts, and other items.
Lindsay Kazarick stated that Future Generations University produced an impact study on Maple Days in Pendleton County. Humes shared that the West Virginia Department of Tourism also has treasure troves of data that could help to create a local industry picture.
As for the board itself, all were asked to sign a statement of standards and conduct and attend a board training program. Humes shared that “Gail Price did it in the past and would be happy to do it again.”
Humes then announced that “everyone gets a Christmas present,” then handed out copies of a draft marketing plan along with red pens. Board members were invited to take both home and make suggested edits, changes, and additions to help to finalize the document. Humes described the draft as containing “the big picture” of county tourism that will function “not unlike a business plan.” One of the aims lies in connecting “all different pieces” while “creating strategic balance.”
