LANSING, WV (WOAY) – Adventures on the Gorge has officially been acquired by Aramark Destinations, the travel and recreation arm of multinational corporation Aramark. However, CEO Roger Wilson says familiar faces at the resort will stick around.
AOTG made the announcement on social media today, saying it’s another milestone in its journey that could lead to greater promise and opportunity.
“This opportunity offers expanded career opportunities, enhanced benefits, and stability for our employees as well as economic growth for our community and our state. By aligning with Aramark Destinations, we aim to set new standards of excellence in the adventure tourism sector,” the statement attributed to Wilson said.
AOTG initially put out a statement earlier today, before deleting it and issuing a new one with slightly different language. Wilson told us that the new statement more accurately reflected that AOTG has been acquired.
He also told us that all employees will keep their jobs, including management. They will report to Aramark Destinations.
Wilson said employees seem excited about the change, and the resort will start making upgrades next year.
Adventures on the Gorge came into existence when four rafting companies- Mountain River Tours, Class VI River Runners, Songer Whitewater, and Rivermen- merged together in 2007.
The Resort offers lodging, white water rafting, and a wide range of other outdoor activities throughout the New River National Park.
Aramark Destinations has holdings in 38 national parks, state parks, and protected forests. It also has nine landmark attractions in its portfolio already.
Earlier this year, the company made news in Crater Lake National Park for what the federal government portrayed as alleged mismanagement, with United States Senator Ron Wyden speaking out about the issues.
At the time, Aramark told local news affiliates in Oregon that its challenges at that specific park are not indicative of the company overall and that it was working on improvements before the Park Service decided to give the contract to another vendor.
