Shawn Cassell , director of marketing for Snowshoe Mountain Resort , says the COVID-19 pandemic , as difficult as it was , created a boom in the sports tourism industry .
“ Folks were looking for things to do that were safe and suitable for social distancing , and outdoor recreation checked a lot of those boxes ,” he says . “ More and more people found that outdoor recreation is an amazing way to take a break from your daily routine and do something good for the body and the mind .”
Photo by Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center .
When the pandemic started to slow down and events could be held again , Snowshoe had the opportunity to host the 2023 UCI Mountain Bike World Cup : Marathon of Snowshoe .
“ We saw a huge boost here in Pocahontas County during the World Cup ,” Cassell says . “ Lodging on the mountain filled well in advance , so lodging providers as far away as Marlinton and Elkins saw a lot of World Cup-related bookings . That impact was also felt at local bike shops , restaurants and other attractions .”
The event brought between approximately 12,000 and 16,000 people to Snowshoe during World Cup week .
Youth Sports
Kanawha County Commissioner Ben Salango says West Virginia should see significant revenue from the increase in youth sports tourism . The Shawnee Sports Complex has generated over $ 150 million in economic impact since opening in 2018 .
Two significant events in the Metro Valley contributing to this success are the U . S . Youth Soccer Eastern Regional Championships and the West Virginia Futbol Club ( WVFC ) Capital Cup .
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