Adventure Economy
How Transportation Tourism is Thriving in West Virginia
According to the West Virginia Division of Tourism ’ s annual report , the Mountain State generated $ 14 in taxes for every $ 1 spent on advertising in Fiscal Year 2016 . As the state continually searches for ways to increase revenue and diversify its struggling economy , organizations such as Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad ( DGVR ), the Hatfield McCoy Trail System and Racer Productions are providing massive opportunities for statewide economic development and diversification .
These companies , which represent the commercial railroad , all-terrain vehicle ( ATV ) and motocross industries , draw thousands of visitors from outside of the state to West Virginia every year and have a significant economic impact on the surrounding Mountain State communities , bringing in revenue for local shops , accommodations and restaurants . Investing in these areas provides a significant opportunity not only for diversifying West Virginia ’ s economy but for diversifying the tourism industry itself .
Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad
BY CHASE GUNNOE . Traveling eastbound on Route 33 near Buckhannon , WV , an SUV with a Pennsylvania registration is headed to Elkins with a family of four .
Across several mountain ridges in Harrisonburg , VA , there ’ s a middle-age couple about to begin the scenic drive across Route 33 into Pendleton County and south from Seneca Rocks into Pocahontas County . These families , one from suburban Pittsburgh and the other from a Washington , D . C ., bedroom community , have one thing in common : they are headed to the mountains of West Virginia to climb onboard a Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad train .
The Cass Scenic Railroad train to Bald Knob meets the Cheat Mountain Salamander at Spruce , WV . Photo by Chase Gunnoe .
Since the DGVR ’ s inception in 1997 , hundreds of thousands of tourists have traveled to the highlands of West Virginia to ride the DGVR ’ s scenic Mountain Rail Adventures . Consistent growth over a span of two decades has led to expanded tourist train offerings and partnerships that have helped create an internationally recognized rail tourism destination .
The DGVR is a freight and tourist railroad serving the eastern mountain counties of West Virginia . Headquartered
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WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE