Virginia taps natural resources to drive tourism

Sometimes, money does grow on trees.

Dotted by charming small towns from the mountains to the west and the ocean to the east, Virginia is renewing efforts to tap its natural resources to help drive tourism. While summer remains the peak for tourism, state officials are working to shoulder the busier months with increased tourism other times of the year, especially fall, when leaves change from green to orange, yellow and red.

"It’s like Mother Nature at her best," said Rita McClenny, president and CEO of the Virginia Tourism Corporation, a state agency responsible for marketing the state as a tourism destination. "There’s something for everybody to love to really get outdoors in the fresh, crisp air."

By Michael Felberbaum

Full Story: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/765662080/Virginia-taps-natural-resources-to-drive-tourism.html