February 17, 2021

Manchin Meets With West Virginia Hospitality And Travel Association

Charleston, WV – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) joined the West Virginia Hospitality and Travel Association (WVHTA) to discuss the COVID-19 relief package, minimum wage increase and the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and to hear directly from West Virginians in the hospitality and travel industry about the how COVID-19 pandemic impacted their businesses.

“West Virginia’s growing tourism industry is vital to diversifying our economy and providing hard-working West Virginians with good-paying jobs across the state. Today I joined the West Virginia Hospitality and Travel Association to discuss the issues facing our tourism industry and heard firsthand about the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on their businesses,” said Senator Manchin. “We discussed the importance of including funding for the tourism industry in the next COVID-19 relief package, the potential impacts of a minimum wage increase on our businesses in the Mountain State, especially our small businesses who are already hurting due to the pandemic, and the benefits of the newly designated New River Gorge Park and Preserve for Southern West Virginia and the entire state. As Congress works on another relief package, I will continue listening to West Virginians on the resources they need to make it through this crisis and I will continue to advocate for funding and programs that will bring relief to West Virginians and the American people.”

“West Virginia’s tourism and hospitality industries have faced numerous challenges throughout the pandemic. These two sectors are not only an important piece of the West Virginia economy, but also vital in bringing visitors to our state. The WVHTA is focused on working with our leaders in West Virginia and Washington, D.C. to ensure that the industry is poised for the future. We appreciate Senator Manchin listening to our members today and giving us an update on what’s happening in Congress, as well as his ongoing support and advocacy for tourism in West Virginia. WVHTA is looking forward to continuing our work with Senator Manchin so that common sense prevails and West Virginia businesses thrive,” said Richie Heath, Executive Director of WVHTA.

At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Senator Manchin participated in calls with the WVHTA to hear their concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout the pandemic, Senator Manchin has continued to advocate for financial support for hospitality and travel businesses in West Virginia and to increase tourism in West Virginia by making the New River Gorge the 63rd National Park and Preserve in the year-end legislative package.