WV Executive

Senator Jay Rockefeller, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, made the following statement today as President Obama signed the Travel Promotion Act into law - an Act that was originally passed by the Senate Commerce Committee.

"Today's signing of the Travel Promotion Act into law is very exciting for West Virginia and will go a long way to increase travel and tourism - helping city and community economies across the state," said Rockefeller. "As Governor and now as Senator, I have always appreciated the need to promote and develop West Virginia's rich tourism industry - from our world-class whitewater rafting and snow skiing and tubing, to our beautiful golf courses and culturally diverse festivals.

"While the economy has seen hard times, I believe this legislation is a great next step in boosting the number of visitors coming to our gorgeous state. West Virginians are the best hosts in the world - and I invite all travelers to see what West Virginia has to offer."

Betty Carver, Commissioner of the West Virginia Division of Tourism, also weighed in on the importance of the law by saying: "The West Virginia tourism industry is extremely pleased with the enactment of this bill into law. With strong support from Senator Rockefeller, the establishment of this public-private partnership will permit us to promote West Virginia and the U.S. internationally, which will result in job creation and additional tax revenues.

"West Virginia's tourism industry contributes $4.38 billion to the state's economy and employs 44,000 people. We look forward to working with Senator Rockefeller and his staff to further develop the industry and to reach tourism's economic potential."