BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Visit Southern West Virginia is celebrating 60 years of promoting tourism and hospitality across the southern part of the state.
Originally formed in 1966 as the Mountainaire Travel Council, the organization has spent more than half a century marketing the region’s attractions and scenic landscapes.
Over time, its name evolved to the New River Travel Council, then the Southern West Virginia Convention and Visitors Bureau, before becoming Visit Southern West Virginia.
At its inception, the group promoted tourism in six counties—Raleigh, Fayette, Mercer, Monroe, Summers, and Greenbrier. Its reach has since expanded to nine counties, now including Nicholas, Wyoming, and McDowell.
During its six decades of operation, the organization has witnessed major developments that helped shape the region’s tourism industry, including the construction of the Summersville Dam and the New River Gorge Bridge, the rise of commercial whitewater rafting, and the transformation of the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve into a nationally recognized destination.
The growth of the Hatfield McCoy Trails has also played a significant role in attracting visitors.
Despite changes in leadership, branding, and the tourism industry, the organization says its mission has remained consistent—to promote the region’s experiences to visitors from across the country and beyond.
“It has been an amazing journey through time as we have scoured the archives of the past 60 years,” said Lisa Strader, Executive Director.
“Though our mission has remained the same, the growth we’ve seen, both within our organization and across our region as a thriving vacation destination, has been nothing short of inspiring.”
Visit Southern West Virginia will mark the milestone with a 60th anniversary dinner for members and partners on April 30 at Smokey’s on the Gorge. The event will feature remarks from tourism leaders, including Mike Darby, Scott Durham, and Chelsea Ruby.
Officials say the celebration will also serve as an opportunity to thank members and partners for their continued support in helping the organization grow and promote Southern West Virginia as a travel destination.
