Today, Governor Patrick Morrisey announced the creation of “Tourism Works,” an online education program designed to enhance hospitality skills and training among the state’s tourism workforce and everyday West Virginians. The announcement was made with the support of over 200 tourism and hospitality industry professionals at the State Capitol to celebrate the tourism industry’s record-setting $8.7 billion annual economic impact.

"As Governor, one of my top priorities is to grow our economy, our population, and our workforce,” said Governor Patrick Morrisey. “Our tourism and hospitality industry is one of the best in the country, and it will be a crucial part of West Virginia’s economic future. The new Tourism Works program builds on our welcoming and friendly culture, ensuring every visitor to West Virginia feels at home in the Mountain State.”

“Thanks to Governor Morrisey, the West Virginia Legislature, the Department of Education and all of our amazing partners across the state, the future of tourism has never looked brighter,” said West Virginia Department of Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby. “This sector currently includes 70,000 hospitality and tourism jobs in West Virginia with an expected 21,000 job openings each year. The Tourism Works program is a wonderful resource for anyone looking to gain experience in a thriving industry.”

Created in partnership with the West Virginia Department of Tourism and Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, Tourism Works is a free online course that gives learners the chance to earn one hour of college credit from Blue Ridge Community and Technical College. All West Virginians, not just those seeking college credit, are encouraged to enroll in the course, which highlights the many regions, small businesses, history, and culture that makes our state home.

This Tourism Day at the Capitol was one of the largest such celebrations in recent years. More than 200 tourism and history partners from all nine of the state’s travel regions were in attendance, along with students from both the Nicholas County Career and Technical Center and Monongalia County Technical Education Center, who highlighted their workforce training programs by serving pastries, West Virginia-roasted coffee, and barbeque, all made by students.

To sign up for the course, click here. 

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