West Virginia International Yeager Airport (CRW) is proud to be the first organization in Kanawha County to complete the Tourism Works hospitality training program. This initiative was launched by the West Virginia Department of Tourism in partnership with Blue Ridge Community and Technical College. Frontline employees at CRW have completed the Tourism Works training program, further strengthening the airport’s commitment to providing an exceptional travel experience.

The free, online course was designed to enhance hospitality skills among West Virginians, teaching essential competencies in guest services, communication, problem solving, and more. Employees who completed all 12 micro-credentials are eligible to receive one hour of college credit from Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, along with a formal certification that provides valuable skills for careers in tourism, customer service, and related industries.

“As the front door to our state, the Airport plays a vital role in welcoming travelers to West Virginia,” said Dominique Ranieri, Airport Director and CEO. “Being the first in Kanawha County to complete this program underscores our commitment to customer service, hospitality, and workforce development.”

The Tourism Works program was introduced by Governor Patrick Morrisey during Tourism Day at the Capitol, which celebrated the state’s record-setting $8.7 billion tourism economy. The initiative received overwhelming support from over 200 industry professionals and educators across all nine of the state’s travel regions.

“I’m so proud of the Yeager Airport staff for completing all of the Tourism Works trainings and becoming a part of the West Virginia Official Welcome Crew,” said West Virginia Department of Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby. “Whether you’re a student looking to gain knowledge about the growing tourism industry or a business owner looking to train your employees to effectively greet visitors to our state, this free program is a wonderful resource.”

With more than 70,000 tourism-related jobs in West Virginia and 21,000 expected openings annually, the program supports statewide efforts to develop a highly skilled and visitor-ready workforce.

CRW’s participation aligns with its broader CRW Next Terminal Development Project, prioritizing both infrastructure and customer service enhancements to position the airport and the state as a top-tier travel destination.

To learn more about the Tourism Works program or enroll in the training, click here.