Ask most West Virginians and they’ll tell you our wild, wonderful travel destinations and restaurants can’t be matched. It seems National Geographic agrees, as the Mountain State has once again been listed among the “Best of the World: Top 20 Travel Experiences for 2024.”

On top of that, National Geographic says whitewater rafting in the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is among the top wonders in the world to experience.

“Putting together our annual BEST OF THE WORLD list with our global editorial team each year is one of my favorite projects!” said Senior Editor of Travel at National Geographic Amy Alipio. “West Virginia in particular was a fun addition for us, as we tend to look for places that combine both interesting culture – like Appalachia – and natural wonder. Not many people know that New River in West Virginia is actually one of the world’s oldest rivers – or that it’s one of the best places in the world to go white water rafting! So, we hope readers of Nat Geo’s Top 20 Travel Experiences will discover that as well.”

Much of the credit for this new awareness of West Virginia’s wonders goes to West Virginia Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby, who for years has worked to make it happen. Thank goodness lawmakers and other state officials have been listening to her.

OUR task is to make sure those who come to visit think of West Virginia as the kind of place where they wouldn’t mind staying a little longer. Yes, our state is among the best destinations in the world. It’s a good thing we’ve got the people to match.