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WVU Extension Service

Surveying resident and visitor attitudes towards tourism, assets and identity

Doug Arbogast, Rural Tourism Specialist, WVU Extension Service 
Dr. Jinyang Deng, Assistant Professor of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Resources 
Daniel Eades, Rural Economics Specialist, WVU Extension Service 

These WVU faculty members conducted quantitative and qualitative participatory research to help the TCCDA in planning and decision-making. The data were gathered through several means in order to solicit input from a broad spectrum of stakeholders including the following:

  • Key informant interviews
  • Resident attitudes survey
  • Visitor preferences survey
  • Community profile & economic impact analysis (current and development options)
Residents versus visitors infographic Community meetings key informant interviews were conducted across the county to get qualitative information, quotes and stories about the assets and their importance and to hear enriching stories about the area. 

The full reports can be downloaded below. 

Resident survey extended answers (PDF downloads):

The interviews with over 30 people included the following organizations and businesses:

Artspring, Canaan Realty,  Whitegrass Ski Touring Center, Tucker County Commission, Tucker Community Foundation, Tucker County Cultural District Authority, The Purple Fiddle, Blackwater Falls State Park, Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Ben's Old Loom Barn, Tucker County Cultural District Authority, Tucker County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Tucker County Planning Commission & Friends of the Blackwater, Tucker County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Heart of the Highlands, Bright Morning Inn, Hellbender Burritos, Stumptown Ales, Verglas Media, Big Belly Deli, Creature Gallery and the Whiteroom Gallery, Buxton and Landstreet Gallery and Studios, The Cooper House and The Billy Motel, Three Castle Antiques, New Historic Thomas, Davis Renaissance, Friends of the 500th, Timberline Four Seasons Resort, Town of Thomas, Canaan Valley State Park, Canaan Valley Resort

View the "Voices of Change" video with key informants (YouTube)