Associated Press Published

State Awards $1.2M in Tourism Advertising Grants

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West Virginia officials are awarding $1.2 million in tourism advertising grants to 14 attractions around the state.

The Charleston Gazette-Mail reports that the West Virginia Tourism Commission approved the matching grants Thursday.

Four groups will receive the maximum $175,000 award: Wheeling Island Gaming, Showshoe Mountain Resort, Mardi Gras Casino and Resort and Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races.

Winterplace Ski Resort will get about $173,000 for a “Learn to Ski” ad campaign.

The commission postponed consideration of $175,000 grant request from Mountaineer Casino and Racetrack.

Joseph Manchin IV said the racetrack casino’s ad strategy was bland and generic. Manchin, the son of Sen. Joe Manchin, said Mountaineer appears to be “in a holding pattern” or worse.