VT researchers hope to increase tourism on Blue Ridge Parkway

Virginia Tech researchers receive a more than $200,000 grant to develop a new tourism strategy for the Rocky Knob part of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

David & Dixie Stephens visit the area every summer.

They say the quiet atmosphere is a nice getaway from city life, but would like to see more things offered to tourists. “If they did more of the historical part of the Blue Ridge Parkway..talk a little bit more about it’s history because I think there’s a lot that still needs to be said about the history of this area,“ said David.

Virginia Tech received money for the tourism study from the National Park Service and Blue Ridge Heritage Inc.

They hope to have it completed in 18 months.