Showcase West Virginia is selected by National Geographic Traveler as a featured site in the 2005 Geotourism MapGuide to Appalachia.

The Center for Economic Options’ social purpose enterprise – Showcase West Virginia – was selected as the highlighted destination in Charleston, West Virginia by National Geographic’s Geotourism Map Guide to Appalachia. 40 additional sites were highlighted throughout the state – many of which are small businesses and locations that are not normally part of such publicity. To create this map, state and local partners nominated over 1,000 destinations and experiences that they believe represent authentic Appalachia. Based on extensive research, 356 sites were selected by the magazine’s staff as representative of the Region’s rich, diversity and, in many cases, undiscovered treasures.

The map was featured in the April 2005 issue of National Geographic Traveler magazine and is being distributed throughout the Appalachian Region. It is designed to stimulate economic development by assisting potential travelers interested in cultural and heritage tourism with finding and experiencing special places in the region. “The cultural heritage tourism sector has been growing twice as fast as the overall travel market and our Region boasts six of the top 10 states most visited by travelers from this sector. Travelers from this group also tend to stay longer and spend more than average on their trips. Given the richness of our existing resources, cultural heritage tourism can be an import apart of the Region’s overall economic strategy and this guide can help maximize a valuable revenue stream for Appalachian businesses.” (Anne Pope, Federal Co-chair, Appalachian Regional Commission)

While quantities last, the maps will be available at the Showcase West Virginia store, 906 Quarrier Street, Charleston.

A related website – www.nationalgeographic.com/appalachia - will feature articles on Appalachia and an interactive map of the Region to assist travelers from anywhere in the world in planning their trip to Showcase West Virginia and the Appalachian Region. The Web version of the map includes links to over 100 of the sites from the printed version and will rotate through the 356 sites during the year.

The map was funded by the Appalachian Regional Commission and was prepared by National Geographic.