Says Legislature Considering Proposed $1 Million Increase in 2008-09 Budget
HARRISBURG – Gov. Edward G. Rendell has announced a $5 million investment that will help regional tourism marketing groups work together to bring more people to some of the state’s under-visited areas, and strengthen attendance at the state’s most popular and recognizable attractions.
“The goal of this program is to encourage regions to work together and promote the wealth of tourism opportunities across the commonwealth,” Gov. Rendell said. “Travelers are looking to fill their time in Pennsylvania with unforgettable experiences and they are willing to visit more than one destination.”
Regional tourism-marketing groups apply for regional marketing funds to create or expand new and innovative programs that complement the commonwealth’s tourism promotion efforts, which can include advertising campaigns, public relations strategies, online marketing efforts, international marketing outreach plans, and Web site development campaigns.
“Over the past four years, we have seen the creation of three new regional alliances with the Pennsylvania Great Lakes Region, Pennsylvania Wilds and Dutch Country Roads. These alliances have allowed for our tourism destinations to pool their resources and develop more effective and efficient promotional efforts while enhancing the experience in their regions.
“For the 2008-09 state budget, I have proposed a $1 million increase for tourism marketing with stronger support for regional marketing efforts,” Gov. Rendell said. “In total, I have proposed the commonwealth commit $16.6 million for regional and county-based tourism promotion through our funding programs.”
Pennsylvania is the fifth-most-visited state in the country, with approximately 138 million visitors annually. The total impact of travelers’ spending on Pennsylvania’s economy is approximately $27 billion a year, and tourism is responsible for more than 600,000 jobs.
For more information about Pennsylvania’s tourism industry, click here, or call 800-VISITPA.