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The Shapiro administration is looking to boost Pennsylvania’s tourism industry with new branding, as tourism brings in more than $76 billion in revenue to the state each year.
The Governor launched a new state tourism brand and summer travel marketing campaign, “Great American Getaway,” to encourage more people to travel across Pennsylvania and visit.
He described Pennsylvania as a top weekend getaway destination with a short drive to major hubs along the East Coast, including New York City, Baltimore and Washington, D.C., making it easily accessible to the more than 72 million people who live within a four-hour drive.
“Here in Pennsylvania, we have it all, from top-notch sports and events, award-winning restaurants, fantastic hikes and state parks, and some of the nation’s most significant historical sites that tell the story of our shared history. More people deserve the opportunity to come here and experience what Pennsylvania has to offer for themselves,” Shapiro said. “72 million people live within a four-hour drive of Pennsylvania.”
Shapiro said the new brand will be the centerpiece of the state’s new tourism promotion efforts.
“My new budget calls for an $18 million increase in tourism and business marketing. This new brand and funding will help us grow small businesses, support our communities, and create opportunities for more Pennsylvanians. Following this announcement, Governor Shapiro and the First Family will launch a week-long RV tour in advance of Memorial Day weekend promoting the new brand and Pennsylvania tourism throughout the state. It will embark on its own Great American Getaway to promote the industry.
Over the next six days, the Shapiro family will explore Pennsylvania’s world-class urban spaces, outdoor adventure experiences, charming small towns, diverse culinary experiences, unique events and festivals, historic hotels, and iconic historical sites. We will introduce 50 locations in 14 counties.
Pennsylvania’s tourism industry generates $76.7 billion in economic impact, supports 486,871 jobs and contributes $4.7 billion in state and local taxes, according to a new report released in March by the Pennsylvania Department of Tourism. It is said that in 2022, it will welcome 192.4 million tourists. Income and business sales generated $9.6 billion in government revenue. Guest spending increased by $4.8 billion, and more than 66 million trips generated $28 billion in spending.
