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TOURISM PARTNER PAGE

We are thrilled to welcome you to our dedicated space created just for you—our valued hotel/motel/resort owners & short-term rental hosts and scenic attractions/excursion operators, local restaurants, shops, bars, and community event planners who breathe life into Hampshire County’s vibrant tourism scene. This page is designed to serve as a central hub for all the tools, resources, and information you need to thrive and succeed in attracting visitors to our beautiful county.

As the heart and soul of Hampshire County’s tourism, your contributions make a significant impact. Whether you are seasoning the flavors of our local cuisine, curating unique shopping experiences, providing cozy places to stay, or organizing unforgettable events, your efforts create the memorable experiences that draw people to our community time and again.

This page will guide you through the process of listing your events on our official calendar, accessing invaluable resources from West Virginia Tourism, and taking advantage of various training and development opportunities to enhance your offerings. We’re here to support you every step of the way as we work together to promote Hampshire County as a premier destination for travelers seeking authentic, engaging experiences.

Let’s make Hampshire County a destination of choice, together!

Professionalism and Conduct Across All Interactions

We uphold a standard of professionalism and mutual respect not only at events but in all public and online interactions involving our community members and business owners. It is imperative that all partners and participants conduct themselves in a manner that positively reflects on Hampshire County. This includes respectful and professional behavior on social media and in public forums.

We believe that promoting a positive community image is crucial. Any conduct that involves disparaging remarks, trash talk, or derogatory comments about the community can lead to severance of our collaboration and support. Maintaining a constructive and supportive environment is vital for our collective success and ensures a welcoming atmosphere for all who visit and live in Hampshire County.

Thank you for your cooperation and dedication to maintaining the high standards that define our county/municipalities and its events.

What is a CVB?

Organizational Structure of the Hampshire County CVB

Convention and Visitors Bureaus are independent non-profit destination marketing organizations created under state code and funded by a percentage of the lodging tax collected in accordance with that code. The Hampshire County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) operates as an independent non-profit Destination Marketing Organization (DMO). We are dedicated to promoting Hampshire County as a top destination for tourists, enhancing the local economy through tourism.

Governance

Our CVB is governed by a board of directors, ensuring adherence to the high standards and best practices as set forth in West Virginia’s state code and tourism policies. This board includes a diverse group of local stakeholders who guide our strategic and operational decisions.

Accreditation

We are accredited by the West Virginia Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus (WVACVB). This accreditation underscores our commitment to maintaining rigorous standards in tourism marketing and aligns our operations with the best practices and professional guidelines established statewide.

Funding

Funding for the Hampshire County CVB primarily comes from a lodging tax, which is a percentage of the revenue collected from guest stays in hotels/motels/resorts and short-term rentals within the county. This method of funding aligns with state laws and ensures that our promotional activities are financially supported by those who directly benefit from our services.  We follow West Virginia Code Chapter 7, Article 18 regarding Hotel Occupancy Tax. 

Accountability and Collaboration

While we maintain operational independence, the CVB is accountable to state laws and regulations concerning our funding and organizational charter. We collaborate effectively with various local stakeholders, including the Hampshire County Commission and other community and economic development entities, to align our marketing strategies with broader regional development goals.

Focus on Tourism Promotion

Our independent operation allows us to effectively focus on promoting tourism by highlighting Hampshire County’s year-round attractions and seasonal events. These efforts are crucial for attracting tourists who contribute significantly to the local economy.

This structure enables the Hampshire County CVB to operate efficiently and effectively, leveraging our resources to enhance the visibility and attractiveness of Hampshire County as a premier travel destination.

Adherence to West Virginia Tourism Guidelines

The Hampshire County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) is committed to promoting our county in accordance with the highest industry standards, including those set forth by West Virginia Tourism. Our adherence to these guidelines ensures that our promotional activities are both effective and responsible, targeting the right audiences to maximize tourism potential and economic impact in Hampshire County.

Event Support and Funding Clarification

The Hampshire County Convention and Visitors Bureau is dedicated to promoting our region’s vibrant community and the multitude of events that take place throughout the year. Given the high volume of local events, with at least 20 occurring annually, we are currently unable to provide direct funding or sponsorships for individual events. 

We employ a variety of innovative marketing tools to support our community:

  • Event Calendar: We offer an event calendar that increases visibility for local events among residents and visitors.
  • Social Media Marketing: Our active marketing on social media channels helps draw attention to local happenings and engages a broader audience.
  • Advertising: We continuously advertise the county/municipalities as a whole, highlighting our region’s attractions and offerings.
  • Email Promotions: We leverage our email list of 6,500 subscribers to distribute a monthly newsletter during our busiest months. This newsletter features upcoming events and news, providing another valuable channel for promoting local activities and engaging with a broad audience.
  • Innovative Promotions: We leverage creative marketing strategies, such as digital contests and interactive social media campaigns, to promote local businesses and events. These tools are designed to be both effective and economical, ensuring that we can maximize outreach without substantial costs.
  • Earned Media: We actively pursue earned media opportunities by pitching stories to journalists and media outlets, which provides additional exposure without the direct costs associated with advertising.
  • Paid Media: Our strategic use of paid media complements our earned media efforts, allowing us to target specific audiences and boost the reach of our promotional activities effectively.

These strategies not only enhance the visibility of Hampshire County’s tourism attractions but also support the local economy by attracting visitors and promoting community engagement.

Community Event Planning

The Hampshire County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) is committed to supporting event planners and enhancing the quality of community events throughout our region. Here’s how we can assist you:

Support for Event Planners

  1. Event Calendar Listings: Planners can submit their events to be listed on our CVB event calendar, a great tool to increase visibility and attract attendees.
  2. Social Media Promotion: We can share your events through our social media channels. The CVB will actively promote your events through our social media channels according to a set schedule. To ensure timely promotion, please submit event details, photos, and any graphic content at least 6 weeks in advance to cometohampshire@gmail.com. This lead time allows us to assist with graphic design and content creation if necessary. While we cannot post directly on your behalf on your social media, we can share from your social media posts.                                          
  3. Marketing Consultation: Our team offers advice and support in marketing strategies and visitor services to ensure your event is a success. This may include helping design promotional materials if our resources allow.

  4. Equal Treatment and Discretionary Promotion:  While we treat all events equally in terms of opportunity for promotion, we reserve the right to adjust the level of promotional support based on the potential impact of the event on local tourism and community engagement. This approach ensures that our resources are utilized in a manner that maximizes benefits to the entire Hampshire County community.

Best Practices for Event Planning and Promotion

Effective event promotion is crucial for ensuring the success of any event. Here are key strategies and best practices to help event planners maximize their promotional efforts:

Focus Your Messaging

  • Consistent Branding: Use a consistent theme and logo across all promotional materials. Changing visuals or themes across different posts or flyers can confuse your audience. Ensure that your branding is recognizable and uniform to maintain clarity.
  • Prioritize Your Own Events: While supporting other community events is commendable, ensure that your primary focus is on promoting your own events. Utilize your social media channels and website primarily for your own events to avoid diluting your message.

Promotion Schedule for Planners

  • Early Teasers: Start teasing the event on social media and your website at least 8-10 weeks in advance to build anticipation.
  • Official Announcement: Make your official event announcement 6 weeks before the event date. Include key details such as date, time, location, and ticket information.
  • Regular Updates: Post weekly updates leading up to the event. Each update should add new information or highlight different aspects of the event to keep the audience engaged.
  • Final Push: In the last two weeks, increase the frequency of your posts. Share final details, last-minute additions, and urgent calls-to-action to boost registrations or ticket sales.
  • Live Updates: On the day of the event, post live updates to create FOMO (fear of missing out) for those who didn’t attend, and to engage your audience in real-time.

Leveraging Digital Tools

  • Event Hashtags: Create and use a unique hashtag for your event. Encourage participants and attendees to use it in their posts related to the event.
  • Social Media Features: Utilize features like countdown stickers on Instagram Stories, live videos, or Facebook events to keep your audience informed and engaged.
  • Email Campaigns: Use email newsletters to reach out to your mailing list with important announcements and reminders about the event.

Collaborative Promotion

  • Partner with Influencers: Collaborate with local influencers or community leaders who can help amplify your message to a broader audience.
  • Cross-Promotion: Partner with other local businesses or sponsors to cross-promote each other’s events. This can expand your reach to new but relevant audiences.

Analytics and Feedback

  • Monitor Engagement: Use social media and website analytics to track engagement and determine which types of content are most effective.
  • Gather Feedback: After the event, gather feedback through surveys or social media polls. This will help you understand what worked well and what could be improved for future events.

 

These best practices are designed to help event planners create a focused, effective promotion strategy that maximizes event attendance and overall success. By maintaining a clear focus and using the right tools and strategies, you can ensure that your event stands out in the community and achieves its goals.

Event Submission Guide

The Hampshire Highlands CVB has retained WV Living / Narrative to support our marketing and communications for the year. As part of that partnership, we now have a CVB-branded event calendar that connects directly to WV Living’s statewide events calendar, 304Tix, and affiliated regional calendars.

What this means for you

When you submit your events to WV Living’s calendar, they can:

  • Appear on WV Living’s website

  • Feed into our CVB event calendar

  • Be eligible for inclusion in WV Living’s weekly events email

  • Connect to 304Tix if your event is ticketed

What you need to do

 

Submit your events directly at:
wvliving.com/events


Click “Create an Event” and follow the prompts.

Event listings are free, and you can:

  • Upload flyers or images

  • Add descriptions, pricing, and links

  • Edit or update events later through your account

Ticketed events (optional)

WV Living also offers 304Tix.com, a West Virginia–based ticketing platform similar to Eventbrite:

  • Lower fees for attendees

  • Integrated directly with WV Living and CVB calendars

  • Tools for ticket sales, seating charts, donations, and payouts

You’re not required to use 304Tix, but it’s available if it fits your event.

Why this matters

Submitting events this way helps ensure:

  • Accurate, up-to-date listings

  • Broader visibility beyond our county

  • Better coordination across regional and statewide platforms

This setup helps us all work smarter, not harder, and puts Hampshire Highlands events in front of more people.

📆 2026–2027 EVENT LINEUP: WHAT’S COMING BACK

After a full year of monthly events, we’re focusing on what worked best—the events that made the biggest impact and sparked the most energy across Hampshire County. These are led by the CVB for now, and we’re keeping them simple, strong, and visitor-focused.

🛠️ We’ll be doing these again:

  • 🍷 Sip & Savor – March 28, 2026

  • 🚜 Farm Crawl – July 11–12, 2026

  • 🎃 Fall Crawl – October 17, 2026

  • ❄️ Fire & Ice – January 16, 2027

  • 🔥 Cabin Fever Cure – February 27, 2027

Now’s the time to sign up.
📋 Use this form to let us know which events you want in on—even if you’re not ready to share your full idea yet.

⏳ Why Now?

Winter’s a slow season for many businesses, which makes it the perfect time to plan ahead, brainstorm fun offerings, and be ready for promotions. It also helps us build marketing assets and lock in partnerships without the last-minute scramble.

🔄 Make This Process Easier (for Everyone)

  • Fill out the form once so we have your business info on file

  • Need help brainstorming? Just reach out—we’re here to help!

📢 Reminder: Share CVB Posts

Sharing CVB event posts—especially if you’re tagged—is required to participate. It helps the algorithm and puts everyone in front of more eyes. Sharing = higher reach, better turnout, and stronger county-wide momentum.

You can absolutely post your own stuff too—just tag us so we can reshare and boost your visibility.

Let’s do more of what worked. Let’s make 2026–2027 even bette

West Virginia Tourism Industry Resources

The Hampshire County Convention and Visitors Bureau encourages our local businesses and event organizers to leverage the extensive resources offered by the West Virginia Department of Tourism. These resources are designed to enhance visibility, improve marketing efforts, and support the growth of tourism-related activities in our region. We adhere to West Virginia Tourism guidelines for events and business listings/promotion, recognizing that these standards are not only effective but also essential in achieving our mission to attract and engage visitors in a manner that benefits our entire county.

Key Resources Available

  • Cooperative Advertising Program: Participate in a dollar-for-dollar advertising partnership with the West Virginia Department of Tourism. This program aims to boost brand awareness through a mix of national, regional, and local advertising opportunities, enhancing your business’s reach and appeal. (Here is the Fall/Winter 23-24 presentation to give you an idea of what’s offered and pricing.)

  • Weekly Industry Newsletters: Stay informed with the latest trends, updates, and opportunities in the tourism sector through weekly newsletters. These provide valuable insights and timely information to help you make informed decisions.

  • Business and Event Listings: Increase your visibility by listing your business or event on the state’s official tourism site. For detailed guidelines on how to add your listing, visit WV Tourism Listing Guidelines.

        Events that do not meet the criteria include but are not limited to:

  • Local businesses or social gatherings
  • Civic, club and community meetings, conferences and activities
  • Family or class reunions; church picnics or special events
  • Multiweek classes/summer camps
  • Retail sales and yard sales not associated with a unique tourism event
  • Pageants, other than statewide or regional pageants
  • Retail and/or mall activities
  • Events directed toward limited and/or specific audiences
  • High school sporting events

       Event listings on WVtourism.com must abide by following guidelines:

  • Events must attract and inspire visitors to come to West Virginia and its destinations.
  • Events must be tourism-related and attract visitors from outside the immediate area (e.g. 50-mile radius).
  • Events must be open to the general public and actively marketed to audiences statewide, regionally and/or nationwide.
  • Events must have a website or link dedicated to the event.
  • Events must showcase unique West Virginia character and heritage and provide activities or interest to travelers.
  • “Almost Heaven” cannot be used in the event title or descripted as the words “Almost Heaven” are trademarked by the West Virginia Department of Tourism. You can request usage via the Partner Portal.

  • Public Relations Assistance: Access professional support for your marketing and public relations efforts, helping you to craft compelling narratives and reach a wider audience.

  • Industry Development Assistance: Receive guidance and support to develop and enhance your tourism offerings, ensuring they meet the high standards expected by visitors to West Virginia.

  • Research and Reports: Utilize detailed research and reports provided by the state to understand market dynamics and visitor behavior, aiding in strategic planning and development.

  • Welcome Center Services: Benefit from the services provided at state welcome centers, which can help promote your business to travelers entering West Virginia.

  • Governor’s Conference on Tourism: An annual event that offers networking opportunities, workshops, and sessions with industry leaders aimed at fostering growth and collaboration within the tourism community.

How to Access These Resources

To take advantage of these opportunities, ensure that your business and/or event is registered with West Virginia Tourism. This registration not only opens up a myriad of resources but also integrates your business into a broader network of tourism professionals dedicated to enhancing the state’s tourism industry. For more information and to access these resources, visit West Virginia Tourism Industry Resources.

By participating in these programs and utilizing the available resources, you can significantly enhance the visibility and attractiveness of your offerings, contributing to the vibrant tourism landscape of Hampshire County and West Virginia.

Funding & Resource Guide

From grants to loans and tax credits to technical assistance, in this guide, find programs to fit your organization within the areas of community and tourism project development, outdoor recreation, land and water, arts, education, humanities and historic preservation.

West Virginia Department of Tourism

https://wvtourism.com/

Highlands Creative Economy

https://www.appalachianforestnha.org/creative-economy

West Virginia Hospitality and Travel Association

 https://www.wvhta.com/

Hotel Motel WV State Code

 https://code.wvlegislature.gov
 
 
 

Highlands Creative Economy

AFNHA and Eastern WVCTC partner to host the Creative Economy Group each month. Originally composed of the Potomac Highlands region in WV, this group has expanded to include all of AFNHA’s counties due to our Benedum Grant award in 2021. This group was born from the need for local CVB’s, county tourism leaders, and local small tourist businesses to have networking opportunities and discuss successes, ongoing issues and problems, and solutions. Guest speakers regularly attend to speak on subject matters of interest to the group. Eastern WVCTC provides monthly trainings that focus on tourism and small business development, and AFNHA hosts a Tourism Summit each year.
All in the AFNHA region are invited to attend!
Register for our next meeting here.
We meet the 4th Thursday of each month at 10am via Zoom.

Best Practices

Best Practices for Customer Service

  1. Train Your Team: Ensure that all staff are trained in customer service skills, including how to handle complaints, communicate effectively, and make guests feel welcome.
  2. Empower Employees: Give your team the authority to solve problems on the spot. This can significantly enhance the guest experience by providing quick and effective solutions to issues.
  3. Ask for Feedback: Regularly collect feedback from your guests through surveys, comment cards, or online reviews. Use this information to make continuous improvements.
  4. Personalize the Experience: Try to personalize guest interactions wherever possible. Remembering repeat visitors’ names and preferences can make a big difference.
  5. Be Responsive: Respond promptly to inquiries, whether they come through email, phone, or social media. A quick response time demonstrates that you value your customers.

Best Practices for Event Management

  1. Early Planning: Start planning your events well in advance to ensure that you have enough time to address all details. This includes securing venues, obtaining necessary permits, and coordinating with vendors.
  2. Budget Management: Create a detailed budget and track all expenses to avoid overspending. Consider all potential costs and have a contingency fund for unexpected expenses.
  3. Engage Participants: Keep participants engaged by using interactive elements such as polls, Q&A sessions, or live performances. The more interactive the event, the more memorable it will be.
  4. Leverage Technology: Use event management software to streamline planning processes, such as registration, ticket sales, and scheduling. Promote your events using social media to reach a wider audience.
  5. Evaluate and Learn: After each event, evaluate what went well and what could be improved. Gather team feedback and guest input to refine your approach for future events.

Best Practices for Marketing

  1. Know Your Audience: Understand who your target customers are, what they value, and how best to communicate with them. This will help tailor your marketing strategies to be more effective.
  2. Use a Mix of Media: Employ a combination of marketing channels such as social media, email marketing, SEO, and traditional advertising like flyers and billboards to expand your reach.
  3. Content is Key: Produce high-quality content that engages potential tourists. This can include blogs, videos, and photos that highlight local attractions and experiences.
  4. Monitor Trends: Stay updated on the latest marketing trends and technologies. Social media platforms often update their features, and new tools can offer innovative ways to connect with your audience.
  5. Measure Performance: Set clear metrics for each marketing campaign and regularly review performance. Use tools like Google Analytics to track website traffic and social media analytics to measure engagement.

Collaboration Opportunities

  1. Business Partnerships: We encourage local businesses to partner on events through sponsorships and cross-promotions. These partnerships can enhance event offerings and draw larger crowds.
  2. Joint Marketing Efforts: Collaborate with other businesses to share marketing resources and expand your reach. This can include joint social media campaigns, shared advertising costs, or co-hosted events.
  3. Networking Events: Participate in networking events hosted by the CVB to connect with potential partners, sponsors, and supporters. These connections can lead to fruitful collaborations and shared success.
  4. Community Involvement: Engage community groups and local leaders to garner support and increase community involvement in events. This not only boosts attendance but also fosters a sense of community pride and ownership.

Explore Hampshire County's Rich Heritage

Delve into the history and cultural tapestry of Hampshire County through these informative resources. Whether you’re a local business, a history enthusiast, or a curious traveler, these links provide a deeper understanding of our county’s storied past and present:

  1. Civil War Trails

    • Description: Follow the footsteps of history on the Civil War Trails, with detailed maps and site information throughout Hampshire County and beyond.
    • Link: Civil War Trails

  2. History of Hampshire County

    • Description: Explore the comprehensive history of Hampshire County, from its founding through its significant historical events.
    • Link: History of Hampshire County

  3. Walking Tour of Historic Romney

    • Description: Take a self-guided walking tour of Historic Romney and discover the rich history of one of West Virginia’s oldest towns.
    • Link: Walking Tour of Historic Romney

  4. Other History References

    • Description: A curated collection of references for those interested in delving deeper into the local history and heritage of Hampshire County.
    • Link: Other History References

These resources can serve as a valuable tool for your business to connect guests with the unique historical aspects of Hampshire County, enhancing their overall experience and appreciation of our region.