Appalachian

For some odd reason, tourist traps are rampant in Appalachian regions and receive more funding than nearly any other endeavor. Politicians love them, residents are apathetic, and most wish just a fraction of that money would fund something viable.

Do these entities really provide for the area? No. The crowds never grow that gather at these institutions. Despite all the funding acquired, the revenue does not increase. The few area attractions only employ part-time staff and the wages are never adequate enough to live on without a second income. Many of these places seek volunteers so they don’t have to pay employees. The work at many of these attractions is limited to tourist seasons. To make matters worse, most are labeled “museums” and are tax-exempt. There is absolutely no funding whatsoever going into the community.

Politicians, like the media, flock around artists who aren’t from Appalachian areas. One author, who lived for a few years in an Appalachian town decades ago, created a somewhat successful book based on the town. Politicians caught wind that this author was producing a movie from this book. Suddenly, over one hundred thousand dollars was obtained to improve the very city the book was about. Why? So that the author, who is the director, might consider filming the movie in the very city the book was about. In the end, around 3 million dollars was raised to ensure that at least a part of the movie was filmed here.

If these massive amounts of cash were used in constructive ways that residents actually benefited from, the situation would be far different.

These asinine activities do far more harm than good for any resident. Movies are a way to reach the masses, but in reality, they do little. Gate City, Virginia, was a large part of the Mel Gibson movie, “The River.” It was filmed in the 1970s and the filming is often remembered by residents.

What did the movie do for those living there? Absolutely nothing. The city didn’t grow, the population seldom increases, and most people who enjoyed the movie don’t even remember the town’s name.

Yes, Appalachian areas do have some of the most gorgeous scenery on earth. There is much to offer a vacationing family. We have manicured golf courses, fishing streams, camping, hiking, biking, cave exploration, and a host of other natural activities. But, so do most other rural areas in America. That does not mean tourism should be a major pursuit.

Cities such as Asheville, Atlanta, or Birmingham did not reach their size by promoting tourism when their town barely held 30,000 people. Tourism is a major producer of revenue in large cities, which is a valid factor. Tourism should not be the “economic backbone” of small Appalachian areas it is.

We could have industries that far outweighed any benefits of padding the tourism wallet. We could use those funds to aid small businesses and nurture industry. Instead of allowing politics and instant employment for the masses to sway who receives what, leaders should consider viable businesses that are unique.

Software companies, manufacturing industries, adequate facilities for businesses, and improving current living conditions should be the major focus of leaders. The only individuals who profit from tourism already have money. It is time that Federal money was distributed to logical pursuits that bring employment, housing, and insurance to our people.