Tourism holds great promise for our region.
It is our greatest untapped economic resource and our fastest growing industry. Today, we celebrate an important milestone in our efforts to launch a project which will be vitally important to the full realization of Southwest Virginia's tourism potential. Our region boasts Virginia's best outdoor experience, with the highest mountains, most interesting rivers and superb hunting, camping, fishing, hiking and backpacking opportunities. With these rare treasures of Virginia's natural heritage we have much to offer visitors. While tourism is the Ninth District's fastest growing industry, we have only begun to realize its enormous potential.