The 2014 West Virginia Governor’s Conference on Tourism was held last week in Charleston. This year’s theme, “Turn It Up!,” focused on the key role tourism plays in the economic development of the Mountain State and how tourism professionals can together grow in the industry. Carnegie Hall was honored as a Star of the Tourism industry at a reception on Tuesday evening, winning the Mountain State Award. The Mountain State Award recognizes the event or facility that stands above the rest in excellence in programming (types and number of activities for tourists) quality, distinctiveness, marketing efforts and/or attendance and impact on the state’s economy and/or image. “It is wonderful to see Carnegie Hall recognized by Governor Tomblin, Commissioner Goodwin, and the tourism commission as an emblem of pride in the state of West Virginia,” said Alissa Novoselick, development director for Carnegie Hall. “The arts are a driver of tourism, as arts travelers stay longer and spend more to seek out authentic cultural experiences.” Other Stars of the Industry winners included Betty Carver, Jim Justice, Adventures on the Gorge, Greater Morgantown CVB, Graham Averill, New South Media, Tucker County CVB, The Today Show, Main Street Fairmont, and Visit Southern West Virginia. “I’d like to thank our partners for their contributions to this year’s conference and recognize our Stars of the Industry for their continued commitment to Wild, Wonderful West Virginia,” said Amy Shuler Goodwin, deputy secretary of commerce and commissioner of tourism. [caption id="attachment_6908" align="alignleft" width="283"]<a href="https://mountainmedianews.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2014/10/Carnegie-tourism-award.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-6908" alt="Alissa Novoselick, development director (left) and Susan Adkins, executive director with the Mountain State Award" src="https://mountainmedianews.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2014/10/Carnegie-tourism-award-283x300.jpg" width="283" height="300" /></a> Alissa Novoselick, development director (left) and Susan Adkins, executive director with the Mountain State Award[/caption]
