PROGRESS 2025: Residents can participate in free tourism education program
Gov. Patrick Morrisey introduced the online 'Tourism Works' platform in early March as part of the state's drive to grow its tourism industry and create more jobs in the tourism and hospitality sectors.
The online education program is designed to enhance hospitality skills and training among the state's tourism workforce and everyday West Virginians.
Created in partnership with the West Virginia Department of Tourism and Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, Tourism Works is a free online course that gives learners the chance to earn one hour of college credit from Blue Ridge Community and Technical College.
All West Virginians, not just those seeking college credit, are encouraged to enroll in the course, which highlights the many regions, small businesses, history and culture that makes the state their home, according to Morrisey. The course focuses on West Virginia small businesses and communities.
'This is one of my favorite days and I enjoy it because it gives West Virginia a chance to really show off,' Morrisey said of Tourism Day, which he used to unveil the new online platform. 'Tourism Day at the capitol couldn't be any better, and I know that all of you and all of West Virginia, are very proud of what this state has to offer. Our state's natural beauty, our outdoor vistas, our adventure, our historic places and quite frankly our delicious food. We attract people from all across the country that visit West Virginia.'
Tourism is one of the main drivers in West Virginia's economy, Morrisey said.
'Every year tourism produces an economic value of over $8.7 billion dollars,' the Republican governor said. 'Visitor spending supports more than 60,000 jobs total and as many as 73,000 employed in the leisure and hospitality sectors in the state. That's a lot. Think about the workforce participation we have. Tourism is a huge driver. '
The new online program will help more of the state's residents and people moving to the state have opportunities to enter the tourism sector, said West Virginia Department of Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby.
'Thanks to Gov. Morrisey, the West Virginia Legislature, the Department of Education and all of our amazing partners across the state, the future of tourism has never looked brighter,' Ruby said. 'This sector currently includes 70,000 hospitality and tourism jobs in West Virginia with an expected 21,000 job openings each year. The Tourism Works program is a wonderful resource for anyone looking to gain experience in a thriving industry.'
'These are good paying jobs and these are reasons for people to stay in West Virginia or for new people to come visit our great state,' Morrisey said.
People who want to take the free course can search West Virginia Tourism Works free online training.
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