West Virginia has proudly joined the ranks of Florida, Tennessee, North Carolina, Washington, and Illinois in witnessing a skyrocketing record tourism boom last year. Once known mostly for its mountains and music, West Virginia is now making headlines for becoming one of the most visited places in the United States. From scenic drives to charming small towns, the Mountain State is drawing in travellers from every corner of the country and beyond.
But West Virginia isn’t the only success story. Florida, Tennessee, North Carolina, Washington, and Illinois also recorded massive tourism growth in the past year. These states invested heavily in natural attractions, state parks, cultural experiences and tourism infrastructure. As a result, each saw a historic rise in out-of-state visitors and tourism spending. Together, they are rewriting what success in American travel looks like.
What makes this boom even more exciting is how it spread across different types of destinations. While Florida offered beaches, Tennessee brought music and mountains. North Carolina featured hiking trails and coastlines. Washington impressed with forests and urban energy. Illinois drew crowds to parks and culture. And West Virginia, new to this elite list, welcomed millions with its wild beauty and warm hospitality.
In this report, you’ll discover everything you need to know about how West Virginia joined Florida, Tennessee, North Carolina, Washington, and Illinois in this tourism wave. The tourism boom of last year is more than just numbers — it’s a celebration of people, places, and planning done right.
West Virginia has surprised the entire country in 2024. A new national report reveals that the state now leads the U.S. in out-of-state tourism. That means more visitors are coming to West Virginia than any other state when compared to its population. The numbers are eye-popping. The state welcomed almost 42 times more visitors than its own population — a huge deal for a state that’s often overlooked.
Former Governor and now U.S. Senator Jim Justice didn’t hide his joy. He said this milestone proves the power of investing in the right things. During his time as governor, Justice focused on showing off West Virginia to the world. He said he always believed in the people and beauty of his state. Now, that belief is paying off big time.
The numbers speak for themselves. Tourism spending in West Virginia hit $6.3 billion in 2023. That’s not just a small jump. It’s a 23% increase compared to 2019. What’s more surprising is that it’s more than double the national average growth rate, which was just 9%.
How did this happen? Smart investments. The state spent hundreds of millions on outdoor recreation, road improvements, and tourism campaigns. Ads showed off the state’s peaceful forests, winding rivers, and welcoming towns. People responded. They packed their cars, booked flights, and made their way to the Mountain State.
West Virginia’s real treasure is its land. The state is home to 36 state parks. These green gems welcomed more than 7 million visitors in just one year. But that’s not all. The New River Gorge, now a U.S. national park, is seeing record attendance. It has become a symbol of the state’s new identity — wild, beautiful and full of adventure.
People are coming for hiking, climbing, kayaking and nature walks. But they stay for more than just the view. They’re falling in love with the small mountain towns, local diners, and friendly faces. This mix of natural beauty and local charm is exactly what modern travellers want. And West Virginia has it all.
Small towns are turning into tourist hubs. Summersville, Fayetteville and Davis used to be quiet places. Not anymore. These towns are now full of tourists. That means more restaurants, cafes, rental cabins and gift shops. Lodging is booked out during weekends and holiday seasons. Hotels and motels are adding rooms. Campgrounds are expanding.
And this boom brings jobs. Locals are opening businesses and earning income. Young people are staying instead of leaving. Tax money is flowing in, which helps fix roads, schools and parks. It’s a positive cycle — more visitors create more chances for everyone. Small-town life is now full of opportunity.
This isn’t just about visitors. It’s about West Virginians. More tourism means more jobs. It keeps dollars in the state. It supports families. It helps small businesses grow. And it builds pride. People are finally seeing their home the way they always knew it — full of beauty, strength and potential.
But this success needs care. The state must keep investing in trails, parks, roads and promotion. Over-tourism could be a risk if not handled well. Balance is key. The natural beauty must be protected, and local life should be respected. But done right, this success can last for decades.
West Virginia’s boom didn’t happen by chance. Behind the scenes, experts planned every step. The state built new websites, launched digital ads and worked with travel influencers. They showed off lesser-known places and avoided tourist overcrowding. They also made travel easy with better signs, clean restrooms and new facilities.
One standout move was creating Summersville Lake State Park. It gave travellers a new reason to visit. At the same time, the state partnered with national parks to offer more packages and tours. This helped visitors plan trips across several counties. It spread the benefits and reduced crowding in popular areas.
West Virginia, once seen as a quiet corner of America, has rapidly transformed into one of the most sought-after travel destinations in the country. With its record-breaking tourism boom in 2024, the Mountain State has redefined itself, offering a striking blend of natural adventure, historical significance, luxury stays, and modern connectivity. From the roaring rapids of the New River Gorge to the timeless elegance of The Greenbrier Resort, this destination now sits comfortably alongside the likes of Florida and Tennessee in the nation’s tourism conversation.
Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping activities, a romantic getaway, or a professional venue for your next event, West Virginia’s rebirth in the travel scene proves that authenticity, accessibility, and charm never go out of style.
The soul of West Virginia lies in its rugged landscapes and pristine wilds. Topping the list is New River Gorge National Park & Preserve, the newest addition to America’s National Park system. Known for its jaw-dropping cliffs, verdant forests, and white-water rapids, this park draws climbers, kayakers, and photographers from all over the world. This natural marvel has become the face of the state’s outdoor tourism boom, offering trails that wind through ancient rock formations and views that inspire total awe.
To the northeast, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park mixes beauty and history in perfect measure. Tucked at the meeting point of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, this preserved 19th-century town delivers more than a postcard-worthy setting. As a site of Civil War clashes and abolitionist legacy, it invites visitors to explore America’s past while enjoying riverside cafés and scenic hiking routes.
Oglebay Park, meanwhile, stands as one of the state’s finest examples of multi-generational recreation. Spread across 2,000 acres in Wheeling, Oglebay is not just a park—it’s a complete resort experience. Visitors come here for the outdoor spa, golfing, horseback riding, and even Segway tours. Add a full-service zoo, seasonal light shows, and curated family events, and it becomes clear why this destination holds year-round appeal.
For culture seekers, the West Virginia State Museum in Charleston offers an enlightening walk through time, while the Kruger Street Toy & Train Museum in Wheeling delivers pure nostalgia. Every attraction is bound together by West Virginia’s signature warmth and storytelling flair.
It’s not just leisure tourism that’s taking off in West Virginia—business and event travel are on the rise too. With well-equipped venues that blend function with flair, the state now caters confidently to both corporate and celebratory gatherings.
The Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center stands out as the state’s largest event hub. With over 50,000 square feet of exhibit space, an auditorium, coliseum seating for 11,500+, and multiple breakout rooms, it seamlessly hosts everything from trade expos to arena concerts. Its central location in the state capital makes it easily accessible while offering visitors a taste of Charleston’s culture and dining scene.
Further south, the Beckley-Raleigh County Convention Center brings flexibility to the event planning space with its 15,000 square feet of open space and eight meeting rooms. It’s a prime venue for sports tournaments, civic meetings, and regional conferences.
For those seeking something more bespoke, Stonewall Resort offers a serene lakefront backdrop combined with IACC-certified meeting facilities. Located within a state park, it’s ideal for executive retreats, weddings, and creative workshops. With glass walls looking out over the water and rolling hills, the atmosphere here makes even business feel like a breath of fresh air.
These venues underscore the state’s growing capacity for professional tourism, helping position West Virginia as a serious player in the meetings and events sector.
While outdoor adventure is what draws many travellers to West Virginia, luxury lodging is what often wins their hearts. No destination captures this better than The Greenbrier. Located in White Sulphur Springs, this iconic resort spans over 11,000 acres and blends classic Southern charm with 21st-century indulgence. With 710 guest rooms, private estate homes, and a Presidential Suite, it’s as much a living museum as a modern retreat.
The Greenbrier offers more than just accommodation. Visitors are immersed in a world of spa treatments, championship golf, gourmet dining, and boutique shopping. The resort even has a Cold War-era secret bunker, once meant for U.S. Congress—a tour that now offers a rare, thrilling glimpse into American history.
Beyond The Greenbrier, the state is dotted with boutique properties that offer both comfort and character. Hillbrook Inn & Spa, nestled in Charles Town, serves as a romantic escape with European-inspired architecture and farm-to-table cuisine. Firefly Ridge Retreat near Berkeley Springs is a modern luxury cabin experience ideal for families or groups. For those staying in Charleston, The Blennerhassett Hotel adds old-world sophistication in the heart of the city’s cultural district.
Increasingly, these high-end stays are not just pampering options—they are destinations in themselves, perfectly complementing the rugged elegance of the state.
West Virginia’s tourism boom isn’t just about what’s within the borders—it’s also about how easy it is to get there. And recent improvements to regional air travel have played a big part in welcoming more visitors.
Yeager Airport (CRW) in Charleston is the state’s primary aviation hub, handling over 400,000 passengers in 2024. It connects the capital to key hubs including Charlotte, Washington, and Atlanta. Recent enhancements to terminals and flight schedules have improved both the efficiency and appeal of flying into the state.
To the south, Greenbrier Valley Airport (LWB) provides convenient access to the resort and mountain areas. With daily connections to Charlotte Douglas International Airport, it supports seamless travel for guests arriving at The Greenbrier and other nearby luxury stays. The airport’s support through the federal Essential Air Service programme ensures stable flight availability—a key driver of rural tourism growth.
The secret behind West Virginia’s tourism rise isn’t only its mountains, museums, or luxurious resorts—it’s how the state has recognised and leaned into its unique identity. Rather than mimic coastal metropolises or glitzy entertainment hubs, West Virginia celebrates what sets it apart: nature, authenticity, heritage, and hospitality.
By investing in infrastructure, storytelling, and access, the state has broadened its appeal without compromising its essence. You can spend your morning rafting through Class V rapids, your afternoon walking through a Civil War town, and your evening sipping wine in a velvet-lined cocktail bar—all in the same day.
There is also a refreshing pace to life here. Travellers often speak of how quickly they feel connected to the land and people. There’s no rush, but always something to explore. Whether you’re an adventure-seeker, event planner, or luxury lover, the state rolls out a red carpet lined with rhododendrons and hand-carved welcome signs.
West Virginia is far from done. Tourism leaders are actively planning expansions in eco-lodging, trail networks, and international marketing. With the success of New River Gorge National Park and the continued popularity of iconic venues like The Greenbrier, momentum is building across every sector.
Airport connectivity is expected to increase, with additional partnerships on the horizon. Local towns are investing in revitalisation projects, attracting remote workers and digital nomads seeking nature-connected lifestyles. And with its growing appeal to event planners, the state is poised to compete with more established convention destinations.
As sustainability, authenticity, and immersive travel continue to define the preferences of today’s travellers, West Virginia is not just keeping pace—it’s setting the tone. It is a place where the story is still unfolding, where travellers are not just guests, but part of a larger movement to rediscover what travel truly means.
In West Virginia, the scenery captures your eye, but the spirit captures your heart. It’s where convention centres overlook valleys, where luxury suites sit beside ancient forests, and where every winding road leads to discovery. This is a destination guide, yes—but more than that, it’s an invitation. To explore, to rest, to reconnect—with nature, history, and yourself.
West Virginia has opened a new chapter in its story. Once overlooked, now it’s celebrated. The travel industry sees it as a model for how small states can lead big change. Its journey shows that natural beauty, smart planning and strong leadership can turn any place into a tourist powerhouse.
With rising demand for nature-based travel, the state is positioned to shine. Families, hikers, photographers and even international tourists are taking notice. West Virginia has something for everyone — and now the world knows it.
The future looks bright. But it depends on what happens next. State leaders must continue funding trails, festivals, cleanups and marketing. They must support local businesses with grants and training. If that happens, the momentum will grow. West Virginia could even become a global destination.
For now, it’s time to celebrate. The Mountain State has made its mark. And it’s only getting started.
