Department of Commerce Requests $14 Million for Tourism
The West Virginia Department of Commerce requested an additional $14 million from the Senate Finance Committee Monday.
Tourism Commissioner Chelsea Ruby addressed the committee to explain the additional funding found within the fiscal year 2020 budget request would go directly towards state tourism.
“Hands down, the number one thing holding (state tourism) back is money,” Ruby said. “Advertising directly impacts how people see the state.”
The committee learned that additional funding would go toward five different categories with $10 million going toward brand promotions, $1.5 million for public relations, $500,000 for events and sponsorships, $500,000 for industry development and $1.5 million for state parks and recreation advertising.
If awarded the money, the state would still have a large gap of funding when compared to surrounding states. Currently, the state gains an average of $4.5 billion from travel spending while Pittsburgh sees $41.5 billion on average and Ohio gains $35 billion.
Ruby explained that despite a large request for additional funding, the state’s tourism industry is outpacing the national rate by 30 percent following four years of decline. Ruby cited statistics saying the state gained $4.3 billion from direct consumer spending and saw 36 percent more visitors than 2017.
“Since 2012, we’ve seen an increase in tourism growth,” Ruby said. “Numbers are definitely trending in the right direction.”
In total, the department is requesting $85,473,930 for fiscal year 2020.
Additionally, Sen. Corey Paulmbo, D-Kanawha, addressed the department to get an update about work going on between the state with China concerning potential investments.
Mike Graney, executive director of the West Virginia Development Office, addressed the senator and said that work is still going on with China for potential investments and huge possibilities that could arise within the year.
“China has made three visits to the state and currently have three active projects they’re working on,” Graney said.
The West Virginia Secretary of State also presented their budget proposal which includes $957,594 for general revenue, $4,342,243 for general administration fees and $1,003,611 for service fee and collection.
