National Geographic 'Guide to Appalachia' Propels Southwest Virginia into Tourism Spotlight
National Geographic 'Guide to Appalachia' Propels Southwest Virginia into Tourism Spotlight
Governor Warner recognizes new initiative as an economic development milestone for Virginia's Appalachian communities
Governor Mark R. Warner today unveiled for the first time in Virginia the National Geographic Guide to Appalachia'. This full-color, fold-out map features more than 350 of Appalachia's top cultural tourism destinations. Southwest Virginia boasts 33 of the map's listings that include music, historical, cultural, and outdoor recreation sites.
The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and National Geographic created the map to support economic development in Appalachia through cultural and heritage tourism. Millions of potential tourists will view the map as an insert in the April edition of National Geographic Traveler's Magazine and online.
"Southwest Virginia is a goldmine in terms of cultural and heritage tourism," said Governor Mark Warner. "Virginia's Appalachian communities are home to world-class artisans, incredible outdoor recreation and cultural sites, and some of the most historically significant bluegrass music venues in the world. We are developing these Appalachian assets into cultural and heritage tourism destinations that can become significant contributors to the regional economy."
The first-of-its kind geotourism map is the result of a unique partnership between ARC and the National Geographic Society. ARC federal co-chair Anne Pope touted the map as "an economic development tool that will help Appalachian communities diversify their economies and take full advantage of the region's rich, diverse, and in many cases, undiscovered assets."
The ARC consists of 13 states, including Virginia, and provides funding and support to foster economic development and improve the quality of life for the country's Appalachian citizens. The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) implements the ARC program for the state. Through a competitive grant process, DHCD recommends eligible grantees to receive ARC funding for projects within Virginia's Appalachian region, which encompasses 23 counties and seven independent cities in Southwest Virginia.
DHCD has invested ARC funds in several asset-based development projects including The Crooked Road - Virginia's Heritage Music Trail, The Ralph Stanley Museum, renovations of The Carter Family Fold, and the beginnings of a Southwest Virginia artisans network.
"Our administration is working to attract cultural tourists to Virginia because studies show they stay longer and spend more," said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Michael J. Schewel. "We have invested ARC funds to develop Virginia's Appalachian assets to harness the economic potential of cultural tourism and bring more visitors to the region."
http://www.governor.virginia.gov/Press_Policy/Releases/2005/Mar05/0321b.htm