Charleston to host 2014 Travel South Showcase - WOWK 13 Charleston, Huntington WV News, Weather, Sports

Charleston to host 2014 Travel South Showcase

Posted: Updated:

  • Local NewsLocal News

  • Family escapes fire in East Bank

    Tuesday, May 21 2013 12:18 PM EDT2013-05-21 16:18:28 GMT
    Three people were inside this burning home but managed to get out safely.
    Firefighters are battling a massive fire in East Bank in Kanawha County. A house on Walnut Street went up in flames around 5:15 a.m. Firefighters said two people were home at the time but managed to
    Three escape massive fire in a home on Walnut Street in Kanawha County

  • GovernmentGovernment

  • Monday, May 20 2013 2:50 PM EDT2013-05-20 18:50:08 GMT
    Helen Holt, now 99, was West Virginia's first female secretary of state. She received an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from WVU during Sunday's commencement.
    Helen Holt, now 99, was West Virginia's first female secretary of state. She received an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from WVU during Sunday's commencement.

  • Monday, May 20 2013 6:11 AM EDT2013-05-20 10:11:12 GMT
    MORGANTOWN, WV (AP) — West Virginia landowners who want to apply for grants to improve wildlife habitat have until June 14 to contact the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
    MORGANTOWN, WV (AP) — West Virginia landowners who want to apply for grants to improve wildlife habitat have until June 14 to contact the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

  • Sunday, May 19 2013 1:21 PM EDT2013-05-19 17:21:57 GMT
    LAWRENCE MESSINA,Associated Press CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — West Virginia's House of Delegates faces a momentous decision after Speaker Rick Thompson departs for Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin's Cabinet: choosing
    est Virginia's House of Delegates faces a momentous decision after Speaker Rick Thompson departs for Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin's Cabinet: choosing a new leader will help set the stage for 2014, when Republicans aim to wipe out the Democrats' ebbing majority.
    •   

The city of Charleston has been selected to host the 2014 Travel South Showcase, officials announced Nov. 20.

The event, scheduled for Feb. 23-26, 2014, is an invitation-only marketplace, designed for tourism organizations to connect with tour operators. As the host, Charleston will be able to highlight its tourism products and provide the more than 500 attendees with a first-person experience.

Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin joined Charleston Mayor Danny Jones, the Charleston Convention and Visitors Bureau and the West Virginia Division of Tourism for the announcement.

"West Virginia's world-class adventure and leisure attractions resonate with all those who have experienced the beauty and wonder of our hills, unique cities and shops," Tomblin said in a news release. "As hosts, we enjoy the benefit of showing tourism industry leaders our vast recreational activities available for all to enjoy, and I'm confident our hospitality will lead to further tourism investments."

Jones said the event attracts hundreds of travel buyers, and both the city and state will feel the impact of the showcase for a long time.

"Since the Travel South Showcase has never been held in West Virginia, it is a huge win for the entire state," Charleston CVB President and CEO Alisa Bailey said in a news release. "We are excited to partner with the state tourism office and other destinations in the state to put our best foot forward."

The event will show off a wide range of group tour types, such as students, adults and baby boomers.

"We appreciate the City of Charleston stepping forward to suggest this partnership with the State of West Virginia to support this effort," Tourism Commissioner Betty Carver said in a news release. "Tourism is thrilled to be able to introduce West Virginia to new guests, and this will be the perfect occasion to present all the Wild and Wonderful attractions the state has to offer."

Details about Travel South can be found at TravelSouthUSA.org.