Uh, oh! People are discovering our diamond in the rough

People love visiting West Virginia more than most states in the country.

At least, that's what West Virginia's tourism department is saying in its latest update about people visiting the Mountain State.

A few days ago, Gov. Jim Justice said tourism in West Virginia is up 3.8% over pre-pandemic levels.

Here's what's crazy, though. Nationally, tourism is down 27% from pre-pandemic levels. So, West Virginia is one of the few states to see a slight uptick, whereas everybody else can't pay people to visit.

The research, according to the department of tourism, also shows traveler spending in West Virginia exceeded $4.9 billion in 2021.

Hats off to West Virginia and everybody who helped bring in a new visitor. Hopefully, as the season turns to fall, even more people will be heading to our state and the rest of Appalachia.

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