ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Friday, November 1, 1996 TAG: 9611010015
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
DATELINE: DUBLIN
SOURCE: PAUL DELLINGER STAFF WRITER
A strategic planning session on tourism in the New River Valley will be held from 8 a.m. to noon Nov. 13 in Edwards Hall at New River Community College.
It is sponsored by the New River Valley Economic Development Alliance, New River Valley HOSTS, and regional tourism volunteers and supporters.
Topics will include public- and private-sector support for tourism development in the valley, tourism's impact in Southwest Virginia, regional tourism development funding and initiatives, and tourism promotion activities.
"Over $102 million was spent by tourists in the New River Valley last year, and this money goes directly to support our existing New River Valley businesses and services providers," said alliance Executive Director Stuart Gilbert. "We are looking forward to obtaining input on how the New River Valley communities and counties can capitalize on this burgeoning economic development potential."
The alliance sponsored a valleywide goal-setting session last summer, and tourism emerged as one of the areas to be explored for its economic benefits.
Regional tourism statistics include these figures:
* More than 35,000 people travel through the New River Valley on Interstate 81 each day;
* More than 332,000 people visit Claytor Lake State Park each year;
* 5,500 Boy Scouts and their families visit Camp Powhatan and Camp Attari each summer;
* 17.5 million people travel the Blue Ridge Parkway each year;
* 40,000 students attend Virginia Tech, Radford University and New River Community College;
* More than 200,000 Tech and Radford University fans visit sporting events annually.
The planning session is aimed at making people more aware of the economic impact of tourism in the valley, and starting work on a plan to increase its benefits.
"Our goal is to increase support for and participation in regional tourism development activities," said Karen Hedge, HOSTS president. "Additionally, we are seeking guidance and input from the public and private sectors in the structure and utilization of a regional development program for the future of tourism in this region."
Further information can be obtained by calling the alliance at 674-3636.
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