Governor Earl Ray Tomblin and the West Virginia Division of Tourism along with the Charleston Convention and Visitors Bureau and Mayor Danny Jones today announced that Charleston, West Virginia has been awarded the distinction of hosting the 2014 Travel South Showcase, Feb. 23-26.
Travel South Showcase is an invitation-only marketplace, exclusively for southern tourism organizations to connect with qualified tour operators focused on developing southern tours. In addition, a select group of credentialed media are invited to learn about southern destinations. As the host city and state, Charleston, West Virginia will have the unique opportunity to highlight its tourism product, while providing a first-class experience for the 500+ delegates who attend.
“West Virginia’s world-class adventure and leisure attractions resonate with all those who have experienced the beauty and wonder of our hills, unique cities and shops,” Gov. Tomblin said. “As hosts, we enjoy the benefit of showing tourism industry leaders our vast recreational activities available for all to enjoy–and I’m confident our hospitality will lead to further tourism investments.”
Travel South Showcase is a premier boutique marketplace, offering in-depth and authentic experiences for operators to market and sell the south. Over the next decade, the demand for group, leisure and package travel is expected to increase significantly.
“The Travel South Showcase represents an enormous opportunity for many people and businesses in our city,” said Charleston Mayor Danny Jones. “This event attracts hundreds of travel buyers, and the positive impact on our city and state will last a long time.”
“Since the Travel South Showcase has never been held in West Virginia, it is a huge win for the entire state,” said Alisa Bailey, President & CEO of the Charleston Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We are excited to partner with the state tourism office and other destinations in the state to put our best foot forward.”
Travel South Showcase provides a dynamic environment for industry to focus on growing market share. The event is perfectly geared to take maximum advantage of a wide range of group tour types including students groups, adult package travel, targeted baby boomer vacations and incentive travel.
“This is a tremendously exciting opportunity for the state of West Virginia,” said West Virginia Division of Tourism Commissioner Betty Carver. Carver is also the incoming Chair of the Travel South Board of Directors. “We appreciate the City of Charleston stepping forward to suggest this partnership with the State of West Virginia to support this effort. Tourism is thrilled to be able to introduce West Virginia to new guests and this will be the perfect occasion to present all the Wild and Wonderful attractions the state has to offer.”
For more information about Travel South visit www.TravelSouthUSA.org. Also visit www.wvtourism.com for more information on West Virginia and the West Virginia Division of Tourism.
