For over 40 years, the Bavarian Inn has been hosting friends and neighbors for relaxing getaways, gourmet meals, special occasions, and the finest in guest comforts. Perched on a spectacular bluff overlooking the Potomac River, this 11-acre European Inspired Boutique Resort offers comfort, elegance, and world-class food and service.
Bavarian Brothers Brewing is the newest addition the the amenities of the resort.

We sat down with Bavarian Inn President Christian Asam.

Please tell us the number one thing you get out of your membership to WVHTA?

It is so hard to narrow it down to one item. I love the networking, the camaraderie, the support and friendship that we have made with the other industry members. WVHTA is a great group of people and their energy is infectious. But, If I had to pick the one greatest benefit to membership it would be the assistance we get with legislative issues and state government. We are located 5 hours from our state capitol and to know that we have someone there fighting on our behalf and on the behalf of our industry as a whole is very reassuring. We constantly are kept in the loop regarding what issues may affect us and always feel tremendous support when we have a concern that needs voiced. With the leadership of WVHTA we have made some serious legislative changes in the past couple years that have helped our industry tremendously. I am optimistic that this legislative session will be one of WV Tourisms most effective ones.

Did you attend Hospitality University? And if so, what was your take away from the event?

I love that the event is comprised of industry leaders, front line employees and even students. The program was well done and relevant to all parties that attended as well. The Greenbrier is always a fabulous setting for this event that makes networking, learning and having a good time very easy! I am sure the big take away from the event is different for most. For me, I focus a lot on our properties social media and marketing campaigns, so those workshops are always my favorite. This years session about “quality content creation” inspired me with several ideas I was happy to return home with and put to the test.

What do you see as the most pressing issue facing the hospitality industry in West Virginia?

I think the most pressing issues is the “Image of West Virginia”. The image that possible visitors have of us and also the way we view ourselves. A strong marketing plan and advertising campaign can go a long way to boost both our self image and what others think of our state. Also changing out dated legislation that puts us on level playing fields with our neighboring states also help to boost our image. We live in a beautiful state with incredibly people, we have to be good at telling that story to others and to ourselves.

Tell us about a few of the positive things that are happening in tourism in your region of the state.

Here in the Eastern Panhandle tourism numbers and visitation is very strong. Not only are we just an hour from the powerhouse tourism markets of DC and Baltimore but we also have a tremendous list of assets. From Outdoor Recreation, Gaming, Historic Sites, Charming Towns to great food and lodging we have a lot to be proud of. Jefferson County is once again #1 in the state of WV in visitor spend and I feel that we have only just begun to tap the market! I feel like our County CVB is doing an excellent job of telling our story.

What new things will be happening in 2019 at the Bavarian Inn?

The last 2-3 years have been an exciting time of transition and carefully orchestrated changes at the Inn. We realized a change in visitors wants and needs. Instead of just a nice meal and a comfortable bed visitors want amenities, activities, itineraries. We made a decision to change our direction from a “Country Inn” to what we are branding as a “European Inspired Boutique Resort”. Several years ago we added “Infinity 101”, an infinity edge pool and bar that was a huge hit from day one and a must do “Instagram Selfie Location”. Opening in early 2019 we are unveiling a new soft seating lounge, a brew pub and state of the art brewery. We are also working better then ever with other tourism entities in our community from outdoor recreation, golf and down town shopping. We have been very careful to preserve the traditional Bavarian Inn experience that we have offered for the past 42 years, and now also offer new and exciting amenities that will entice the next generation of guests to visit.