Virginia, whose beginning antedates that of the other twelve original States of the Union, whose scenic attractions are as varied as those of any region in the country, whose natural wonders are unsurpassed, and whose borders embrace so many of the historic shrines which highlight the origin and development of the nation, has fallen behind many of her sister states in publicizing our wealth of tourist attractions and in the techniques of fostering an increasing tourist trade. Many other sections of the country, with less to offer visitors, still have managed to promote their attractions more fully and to profit from the increasing travel habits of the public.

This is true even though perhaps as many tourists go through or over Virginia as is the case with any other state. This condition has been accentuated by the development of the Interstate Highway System, which enables the long distance traveler to go farther in a day, and to some extent at least discourages his stopping off to see the local sights.

The General Assembly of Virginia, noting the value of the tourist trade to the State's economy and feeling that the State's attractions are not being fully developed, adopted a resolution directing a study of the tourist industry.

Pursuant to this resolution, the Speaker of the House of Delegates appointed the following members of the House as members of the Commission: Willis M. Anderson of Roanoke, T. Coleman Andrews, Jr. of Richmond, Thomas R. Glass of Lynchburg, D. French Slaughter, Jr. of Culpeper and J. Warren White, Jr. of Norfolk. The President of the Senate appointed the following members of the Senate to the Commission: Curry Carter of Staunton and Garland Gray of Waverly. The Governor appointed Sidney S. Kellam of Virginia Beach and Thomas J. Lennon of Hot Springs as members of the Commission.

The Commission organized by electing Mr. Andrews as Chairman and Senator Carter as Vice-Chairman. John B. Boatwright, Jr. and G. M. Lapsley served as Secretary and Recording Secretary, respectively, to the Commission.

The Commission held a series of five public hearings throughout the State — in Abingdon, in Staunton, in Arlington, in Richmond and in Norfolk. These hearings were well attended and those who addressed the Commission spoke enthusiastically in support of measures to publicize Virginia's scenic beauty, natural wonders, historic landmarks and recreational facilities. Many specific and helpful suggestions were made which will be more particularly discussed below. In addition, the Commission had the benefit of research by consultants to a Committee of the Advisory Council on the Virginia Economy, by the State Highway Department, and by the Virginia Outdoor Recreation Study Commission. The Commission acknowledges its indebtedness to all those who assisted it during the course of its study.

Based on the data before it, and after mature consideration, the Commission has reached the conclusions and makes the recommendations summarized below.