'Be A Tourist In Your Own Town'   Covington, VA (Feb. 8, 2019) - The Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce & Tourism will be hosting 3 Familiarization (or “FAM”) Tours of the Alleghany Highlands this year. The dates are: Monday, March 18, Monday, April 29 & Monday, May 20 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Local tourism-related businesses have been invited to participate in one of the tours by sending a staff member to be a tourist for a day. These tours will take participants to local attractions, allowing them to experience firsthand what there is to see and do here in the region.      In 2017, travelers spent $42.4 million while traveling in the Alleghany Highlands. “Our purpose for conducting this tour,” states Teresa Hammond, Executive Director of the Chamber, “is to help businesses such as motels and restaurants who naturally see visitors, to be able to answer the question, ‘What is there to do in the area?’ We want the staff’s answer to be an enthusiastic description of all there is to do in the area.” Being able to readily answer that question will allow visitors to better enjoy their time, stay longer and return more often, thus increasing dollars spent in the Alleghany Highlands. Josh Taylor, Special Projects & Marketing Coordinator at the Chamber said, “Even if potential participants feel familiar with the area, there is always more to see and learn, and they will gain a new perspective of the Alleghany Highlands that they can pass on to visitors!”       A continental breakfast and lunch will be included as part of the day. The Chamber is providing this tour free of charge to local tourism-related businesses (motels, restaurants, service stations, attractions, etc.). Space is limited, however, so you will need to register by calling the Chamber at 540-962-2178. Deadline to register is Wednesday, March 13th for the March, 18th tour, Wednesday, April 24th for the April 29th tour & Wednesday, May 15th for the May 20th tour.

* * * * *