Tourism school educates high schoolers on tourism and hospitality in WV

FAYETTEVILLE, WV (WVNS) – The Governor’s School for Tourism is in the area learning about some of the best tourist destinations and hospitality sectors in the state.

The Governor’s School for Tourism is in its inaugural year, where students are learning about West Virginia and what the state has to offer in terms of tourism and hospitality.

The school lasts for 10 days for 9th and 10th grade students from around the state.

The school has toured other parts of the state, with places like West Virginia University and the Blennerhassett Hotel.

The school arrived in Southern West Virginia to stay at the Summit Bechtel Reserve and enjoy some time at New River Gorge National Park and Reserve on June 25.

Students could choose between going whitewater rafting, enjoying a ride on a jet boat, or walking on the Bridge Walk underneath the New River Gorge Bridge.

Here are what two students have learned as they tour the state:

“So many people have moved away from West Virginia, so now people are bringing in tourism to keep people, not only from far away, bringing them in, but [also] keeping people born in West Virginia in West Virginia,” said student Sophie Awan.

Another student, Jeremy Riggs told 59News, “the tourism industry is bigger than you think here in West Virginia. I didn’t know half as many places that [are] here.”

Although some of the students may view this opportunity as a vacation away from their parents this summer, some students are taking full advantage of this 10-day school.

“Well, it’s also opened my eyes to other jobs that could be here, because we also went to Hatfields and McCoys trails in Logan,” said Riggs.

Awan added, “I really like working with people and I like advertising and treating videos is fun. So I might go into advertising for tourism or hospitality.”

Their next stop will be the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine on June 26.

You can learn more about the Governor’s School for Tourism at their website.

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