by Lisa Schauer
In a public meeting at Bath Town Hall on Tuesday, March 3, Dusty Martin, Executive Director of Travel Berkeley Springs, presented the county visitor bureau’s annual report for fiscal year 2025 to Council.
The report shows multiple indicators of growth in state and local tourism, including a 6.6% increase in Bath hotel occupancy tax revenue over last year.
The town had projected a six percent increase in hotel occupancy tax revenue, from $108,000 in 2024 to $115,000 in 2025, according to its budgets, published annually in The Morgan Messenger.
Travel Berkeley Springs spent $275,000 on paid advertising last year, creating over 13 million impressions in the mid-Atlantic, according to the report. 
Social media and publicity were also highlighted in the report, including this from Travel and Leisure, “This West Virginia town is home to America’s first spa and under 1,000 residents – but it technically doesn’t exist.”
Martin said his job is to put “heads in beds,” and the brand strategy integrates two names, Berkeley Springs and Town of Bath.
Paw Paw is also included in marketing materials produced by Travel Berkeley Springs.
Opportunities and challenges arise, Martin said in his remarks to the council.
He noted affordable housing for employees, support for the arts, and protecting our waters among them.
In an interview with The Morgan Messenger, Martin said one of his goals for the new year is to create more opportunities for community involvement.
Travel Berkeley Springs currently sponsors yoga classes, produces local events, and supports programs for the arts, as well as local businesses.
Martin said he is working with The Well, Morgan County’s wellness center, and others to develop a community recreation program for the summer.
