Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, March 25, 1992 TAG: 9203250125
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: PAUL DELLINGER
DATELINE: PULASKI LENGTH: Medium
The Board of Supervisors voted not to seek acceptance in the Virginia Tourism Accreditation Program, which will accept only two localities from each of six regions across the state this time around.
The deadline for applying is April 10.
New River Valley HOSTS, a tourism organization which established a visitors' welcome center at the Dublin Comfort Inn last year, had sought county participation in the venture.
Selected localities would get special listings in state travel directories, state help in planning advertising, special displays in state welcome centers and other incentives.
The program is similar to another in which the state certifies communities as being prepared to accommodate new industry and helps steer industrial prospects toward them.
But, as with the industrial certification program, getting ready for tourism would involve some costs.
County Administrator Joseph Morgan said there is an opportunity to get half the costs through the Virginia Tech Economic Development Assistance Center this time.
Dallas Cox, who has volunteered time manning the visitors' center, said he thought it would be money well spent because tourism is a clean industry that could benefit the county.
But board Chairman Jerry White said the supervisors were hesitant about opening another state expense.
There is no certainty that Pulaski County would have been chosen for state tourism certification this time, since the numbers being accepted for special promotions are limited. There should be another opening for applications by mid-1993, according to officials with the state program.
by CNB