Nov. 21, 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Tony O'Leary
304-558-2288, ext. 318
toleary@callwva.com

West Virginia Tourism Commission issues November grants

WHEELING - The West Virginia Tourism Commission approved the following direct advertising grants at its monthly meeting Nov. 21 at Wheeling Downs Racetrack and Gaming Center:

* The Augusta Heritage Center of Davis and Elkins is preparing for its 2004 Augusta Heritage Center promotions with Tamarack as its partner. By exposing Augusta visitors to Tamarack's clientele, and vice-versa, many new opportunities of cultural and heritage tourism will be realized by both groups. The campaign
will rely on magazine advertisements and publications produced by Augusta which will be mailed throughout the year to prospective visitors. Total project cost is $76,430 and the state ad grant match is $38,215.

* "Experience America's Best Adventure Vacation Destination" is the campaign name for the Class VI River Runners Inc. promotion of its 2004 whitewater rafting season. The campaign will focus on positioning Class VI and southern West Virginia as a premiere multi-day vacation destination. Class VI will distribute promotional materials such as DVDs, CDs, catalogues, along with print and broadcast advertisements. Total project cost is $354,300 and the state ad grant match is $177,150. Project partners include more than 30 local dining, lodging, outdoor recreation businesses.

* The Comfort Inn of Fayetteville, owned by Elliot Properties Inc., will work with local partners to promote itself through magazine advertisements, brochures, billboards, video and attendance at travel trade shows. Total project cost is $32,554 and the state ad grant match is $16,277. Partners include The Rivermen, Canyon Rim Ranch, New River Jetboats, Hidden Cottage, and Domino's Pizza.

* The "Vacation Visitation" program sponsored by Glade Springs Village, aims to attract visitors to Glade Springs Resort and other area tourism activities and also includes a tour of the Glade Springs Village community. The promotion will be done through a direct mail campaign as the total project cost is $1,385,300
and the state ad grant match is $692,650.

* The Huntington Museum of Art Inc. will showcase its facility with its "Tour the Arts" campaign. Teaming with the Radisson Hotel, the promotion will encourage visitors to visit the museum as both a day and overnight/weekend trip. The Arts campaign will use various advertising media, including radio, billboards, fliers, visitor guides and the museum's "Members Magazine." Total
project cost is $51,500 and the state ad grant match is $25,750.

* The Midland Trail Scenic Highway Association will implement its "Head for the Hills" destination guide and marketing program in the coming year. The campaign, which represents the tourism-related industries along the Midland Trail/U.S. Rte. 60, will advertise in print, radio and television media to promote the
availability of the destination guide. Total project cost is $254,867 and the state ad grant match is $127,433.50. Partners include more than 143 businesses on or around the Midland Trail.

* The Potomac Highland Travel Council Inc. will use its "Tour the Highlands 2004" campaign to promote the eight counties it represents in the Allegheny mountain plateau region. The council will use a tour map brochure and a cooperative ad in the official state travel guide to promote the region. Total project cost is $37,700 and the state ad grant match is $18,850. Partners include Appalachian Cabins, Archer Real Estate, Candlelight Inn, Eagles Nest Outfitters, Hardy County Tourism, Harper Enterprises, Homestead Inn, Pendleton Chamber of Commerce, Schaefer Antiques, Scott's Cabins, South Branch Inn and Yokum's Vacationland.

* Rivers II Inc. want people to "Feel The Rush" in 2004 with its promotional campaign of Rivers Whitewater Rafting Resort. By advertising in print and broadcast media, using billboards and direct mail pieces and attending trade shows, Rivers II and partners plan to attract customers to its resort and to the area for multi-day vacations. Total project cost is $889,131 and the state ad grant match is $444,565.50. Partners include more than 30 local lodging, dining, and outdoor recreation businesses.

* The Communications Department at Snowshoe Mountain Resort will use a multimedia marketing program to promote the resort. The first portion of the marketing campaign will publicize the daily snow report in electronic reporting outlets and the second will include Division of Tourism media information in the
department's 500 print media kits. Total project cost is $20,900 and the state ad grant match is $10,450. Project partner is the Pocahontas County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

* The Historic Weston Awareness Campaign, sponsored by the Weston Historic Landmarks Commission, brings together local businesses to promote the city's tourist destinations. The commission will use billboard advertisements on Interstate 79 near Weston and buy magazine ads. Total project cost is $35,160 and the state ad grant match is $17,580. Partners include Budget Inn, WV Antique Market and A Penny Earned Antique Mall.

* The West Virginia Ski Areas Association's 2003-04 marketing campaign seeks to develop top-of-the-mind awareness of West Virginia winter areas as first-choice destinations for skiers and snowboards in southern and mid-Atlantic states. The association will target these enthusiasts through newspaper, television and radio campaigns and attendance at trade travel shows. Total project cost is $110,000 and the state ad grant match is $55,000. Partners include Canaan Valley Resort State Park, Snowshoe Mountain, Timberline Resort, Winterplace Ski Resort.

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