Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, October 21, 1993 TAG: 9310260309
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV16 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: PAUL DELLINGER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: DUBLIN LENGTH: Medium
The Southwest Virginia Tourism Infrastructure Strategic Planning Study Commission doesn't yet know where that money will come from, but will be discussing potential sources at its next meeting sometime in November.
Wednesday's meeting was held aboard the Pioneer Maid, the passenger boat in its second year of offering cruises on New River.
Bob Thomas, representing New River Valley HOSTS, which is working on an 18- month state tourism accreditation program, said the boat attracts many bus tours to Claytor Lake State Park but the passengers usually leave after their cruise. The trick is to keep them in a New River Valley a little longer so they can visit other attractions, he said.
The same is true for large numbers of visitors who come to Virginia Tech for conferences, football games or Parents' Day, Thomas said. The region needs to work together to market its other attractions to such one-destination visitors, he said.
The study commission, created by a bill introduced last year by state Sen. William Wampler, R-Bristol, will make recommendations to the General Assembly on how to promote tourism in the western part of the state.
Several members want to see the commission's report recommend using the existing Virginia's Southwest Blue Ridge Highlands Inc., an organization of tourism-related businesses which has been promoting attractions in 19 counties and four cities in Southwest Virginia with a volunteer staff. They argue that it could do even more with some financial backing.
Other suggestions included extending the use of state parks beyond warm-weather seasons and improving the maintenance and staffing at state welcome centers.
Work is under way at Claytor Lake State Park on winterizing cabins so they can be used during more of the year. John Strutner, withthe state tourism and economic development department, said that in 18 months tourists will be able to make motel reservations electronically and have similar options at welcome centers.
Thomas said HOSTS is studying the idea of taking a hospitality training program ``on the road.''
New River and Wytheville community colleges are among those that have offered such training, but businesses are reluctant to pay employees for a day away from work. That has made it difficult to arrange classes, he said.
The alternative would be to take the classes to the work sites. Members agreed workers need ``hospitality training,'' so they can answer visitor questions about area attractions.
by CNB