evidence: The tourism industry in West Virginia had its highest-ever economic impactt in 2021, delivering in about $5 billion in total visitor expenditure. According to West Virginia Secretary of Tourism Chelsea Ruby, preliminary data indicates that tourist spending in 2022 will likely topped $5 billion for the first time, with much more increase predicted in the years following. [...] "West Virginia’s tourism industry depends on our workforce. We have the friendliest people you’ll find anywhere, and — with these new training and education programs — we are committed to building the strongest tourism workforce in the nation," said Gov. Jim Justice when the program launched. "I’m thrilled to again see West Virginia leading the way with this bold workforce development program."