High gas prices could have a silver lining for West Virginia's tourism industry, state Tourism Commissioner Betty Carver said Wednesday.

State tourism officials are optimistic that high gas prices will make people vacation closer to home this summer - and that West Virginia attractions and destinations will benefit.

Carver said the commission would promote the vacation-close-to-home theme in major metropolitan areas near the state, including Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Columbus, Charlotte, Richmond - and particularly the metro area around Washington, D.C.

She said promotions in metro Washington would encourage residents to visit Eastern Panhandle attractions - some of which are a little more than an hour's drive away.

State tourism experienced a similar upsurge in the months following the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, when many people were reluctant to fly or drive long distances for vacations.

Within the state, the commission will promote advertising encouraging West Virginians to revisit in-state attractions and destinations that they may have overlooked for years, Carver said.

She used whitewater rafting as an example, noting that many outfitters that operated out of rustic, bare-bones facilities 20 years ago now have base camps featuring fine dining and luxurious accommodations.

Likewise, she said, ski areas that once shut down in the spring are now four-season resorts offering golf, concerts and other activities in the spring, summer and fall.

"Our message will be, explore what's in your backyard," Carver said.

Gov. Joe Manchin on Wednesday proclaimed May 10-18 as West Virginia Tourism Week, and emphasized the close-to-home theme.

"I know a lot of West Virginians are concerned about the cost of gas, and how it will affect their vacation budgets," he said. "I encourage our families to look right here at home for a great new vacation idea that could save them some money on gas."

To contact staff writer Phil Kabler, use e-mail or call 348-1220.

High gas prices could have a silver lining for West Virginia's tourism industry, state Tourism Commissioner Betty Carver said Wednesday.

State tourism officials are optimistic that high gas prices will make people vacation closer to home this summer - and that West Virginia attractions and destinations will benefit.

Carver said the commission would promote the vacation-close-to-home theme in major metropolitan areas near the state, including Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Columbus, Charlotte, Richmond - and particularly the metro area around Washington, D.C.

She said promotions in metro Washington would encourage residents to visit Eastern Panhandle attractions - some of which are a little more than an hour's drive away.

State tourism experienced a similar upsurge in the months following the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, when many people were reluctant to fly or drive long distances for vacations.

Within the state, the commission will promote advertising encouraging West Virginians to revisit in-state attractions and destinations that they may have overlooked for years, Carver said.

She used whitewater rafting as an example, noting that many outfitters that operated out of rustic, bare-bones facilities 20 years ago now have base camps featuring fine dining and luxurious accommodations.

Likewise, she said, ski areas that once shut down in the spring are now four-season resorts offering golf, concerts and other activities in the spring, summer and fall.

"Our message will be, explore what's in your backyard," Carver said.

Gov. Joe Manchin on Wednesday proclaimed May 10-18 as West Virginia Tourism Week, and emphasized the close-to-home theme.

"I know a lot of West Virginians are concerned about the cost of gas, and how it will affect their vacation budgets," he said. "I encourage our families to look right here at home for a great new vacation idea that could save them some money on gas."

To contact staff writer Phil Kabler, use e-mail or call 348-1220.