Tourism officials showcase resurrected railroad

Shelley Kudelka-News 4

In the 19th Century, Virginia City was the settlement between Denver and San Francisco.

While the mining boom dust has settled, some are working to stir it up again.Three months ago, the Virginia & Truckee Railway embarked on its first journey in 70 years. The $40 million dollars behind the restoration project brought back to life the Virginia City to Carson City railroad route.

This week the Reno Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority are celebrating two national conferences in Reno with the hopes of boosting tourism. By giving tours of the railway to tourism experts, the RSCVA is hoping this 150-year-old route will act as a ticket to more visitors.

The biggest conference of the two, the National Tour Association (NTA) is back in Reno for the second time since 1985. According to the RSCVA, the tour's projected economic impact while in town is estimated at $2.9 million. The World Religious Travel Association (WRTA) Expo and Educational Conference are also in town, making its first appearance in Northern Nevada. Between the two conferences, 500 visitors will participate in destination excursions for a first-hand taste of the area.

News 4 met with some of the tourism experts following a V & T Railway ride. Below are their responses:

"I've never been on a steam train like this, I really think my customers would enjoy this, it's a tremendous boost to the city."
- Gail Art, MA

"It's fantastic, I've never been here before, it's all beautiful scenery and it's very interesting with the history. "

- Visitor

"Just hearing the whistle, we all said wow, that's so cool. To hear the whistle like that, you don't hear that any longer."

- Visitor

In honor of the conferences, the RSCVA is hosting a kick-off event on Friday, November 13 at the Reno Sparks Convention Center. Starting at 11 a.m., comments are expected from Ellen Oppenheim/RSCVA President and CEO, Reno Mayor Bob Cashell, Suzanne Slavitter/NTA Convention 2009 Chair, and Kevin Wright/President of the World Religious Travel Association.

To learn more about the V & T Railroad, click here: http://www.vtrailway.com/

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