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AUGUST 08, 2024

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American Bus Association Names The State Fair of WV One of North America’s 100 Best Events for 2011

Lewisburg, WV (September 9, 2010) – The American Bus Association announced today that The State Fair of West Virginia has been designated as one of the Top 100 Events in North America for 2011 by an experienced expert tourism industry selection committee. Inclusion in the Top 100 list, published as a supplement to the September/October issue of Destinations magazine, indicates that The State Fair of West Virginia offers excellent entertainment value to both tour groups and individual travelers from around the world, according to ABA.

With the release of the American Bus Association’s 2011 Top 100 Events in North America, ABA celebrates 29 years of the program. What began as a way for motorcoach operators to incorporate new product into their itineraries has grown to one of the most sought-after lists by travel professionals, motorcoach operators and the general public.

“The attractiveness of The State Fair of West Virginia as a don’t-miss entertainment value is only part of why its selection this year is such a distinction for the Greenbrier Valley,” said Peter Pantuso, CTIS, ABA’s president and CEO. “The real news here is that The State Fair of West Virginia has been recognized as a potential magnet for tourism dollars, at a time when reenergizing domestic tourism is so important to our spirit and our economy. The honor gives The State Fair of West Virginia an important boost in visibility among professional tourism planners.”

According to studies completed by researchers at The George Washington University and Dunham and Associates, one overnight visit by a motorcoach group can leave from $5,000 to more than $13,000 in a local destination’s economy. Those dollars are spent on lodging, meals, admissions, fees, shopping, souvenirs, services and local taxes.

“Motorcoach groups spend more and stay longer,” Pantuso said. “That’s why The State Fair of West Virginia is truly a local economic asset. There is no better way to jump-start tourism than to attract motorcoach groups to a great event and convince them to extend their stay.”

The Greenbrier County Convention and Visitors Bureau nominated The State Fair of West Virginia because of its vital impact on area tourism and the group market. “We are so excited to be recognized again as a Top 100 event,” said State Fair Manager Marlene Pierson-Jolliffe. “State Fairs across America showcase agriculture and exemplify down-to-earth family fun. The State Fair of West Virginia represents the best of West Virginia and is a great group destination.”

ABA’s 2011 Top 100 Events Selection Committee selected The State Fair of West Virginia from among a record number of more than 650 event nominations submitted by ABA members. Judges considered the event’s broad appeal, its accessibility to motorcoaches and skill at handling large groups, and a variety of other relevant criteria.

The Top 100 Events list is available online at www.buses.org/top100.

For more information about the Greenbrier Valley, visit www.greenbrierwv.com.

About the Greenbrier County Convention & Visitors Bureau:
The CVB’s mission is to strive each day to positively impact the area’s economy by marketing the region as a premier tourist destination. The Greenbrier Valley is the second most visited region in the state with 1.3 million visitors annually and an economic impact of more than $214 million.
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