Tourism Works – An Overview
The tourism industry in West Virginia recorded its highest-ever economic impact last year – bringing in nearly $5 billion in visitor spending. Tourism already supports 44,400 jobs across the state, and 21,000 job openings are projected annually. These projections include 10,000 annual openings for management-level positions, with salaries approaching $60,000.
The Tourism Works program will support this anticipated job growth. Through Tourism Works, Governor Justice’s administration is committed to proactively preparing for the industry’s needs by ensuring that West Virginians have the skills to fill these roles and that tourism businesses have the resources to upskill their existing staff.
The Tourism Works program plays a vital role in West Virginia’s economy by educating the state’s workforce in tourism-related fields, preparing for the substantial increase in job openings projected for the industry, and connecting students with viable career opportunities. This program is funded by a $5.1 million grant awarded to the West Virginia Department of Tourism by the U.S. Economic Development Administration. The funding will focus on three primary goals: Train Your Team, Educate Our Communities, and Shape Our Future.
The tourism industry is known for its opportunities for rapid professional advancement – from entry-level jobs to highly skilled management-level roles. Jobs in tourism require superb customer service and problem-solving skills, also making the industry a strategic jumping off point for professionals looking to gain access to related fields. The U.S. Travel Association reports that nearly a quarter of Americans’ first jobs were in travel, and the average annual salary of an American who got their start in the travel industry is $82,000.
Get Involved Using These Quick Links
“West Virginia’s tourism industry depends on our workforce. We have the friendliest people you’ll find anywhere, and—with these new training and education programs—we are committed to building the strongest tourism workforce in the nation. I’m thrilled to again see West Virginia leading the way with this bold workforce development program.”
– GOVERNOR JIM JUSTICE
Program Goals & Activities
Train Your Team
- Provide and coordinate customized training and certification programs for new and existing tourism businesses
- Make targeted outreach to promote the very successful Learn & Earn workforce program to tourism industry businesses
Educate Our Communities
- Develop a widely accessible online hospitality and tourism course for West Virginians
Shape Our Future
- Provide tourism education to middle and high school students across the state
- Establish career pathways for high school students to begin earning credit toward future degree or certificate programs
- Create new degree and certificate programs with our institutions of higher learning
Sources: WV Higher Education Policy Commission, US Travel Association, Dean Runyan 2021, WV Department of Tourism
