Tourism Industry Rallies at Capitol

Tourism Industry Rallies at Capitol

PA Tourism supporters filled the Capitol on Tuesday, March 15 to recognize the importance of Pennsylvania's second largest industry. The event came one week after Governor Corbett unveiled his 2011-2012 Budget, which includes a 70% reduction in state funding for tourism marketing and promotion.

During the rally, speakers shared their personal stories about the impact of Pennsylvania tourism on their businesses and careers, including Nancy Noll, owner of The Queen, a Victorian Bed and Breakfast in Bellefonte, Artie Tafoya, Director of Operations at Appalachian Brewing Co. in Harrisburg, Donna Harris, a Travel & Lodging instructor at Columbia-Montour Area Vocational-Technical School, and Dwayne Jones, Banquet Manager at the Hilton, Harrisburg.

PA Tourism Day also featured a variety of costumed characters from attractions throughout the state including Mr. Hershey's Bar, Miss Reese's and the Hershey's Kiss from the Sweetest Place On Earth, Kosmo from Knoebel's Amusement Resort, Buddy Bear from DelGrosso's Amusement Park, Elmo and Cookie Monster from Sesame Place, Rascal from the Harrisburg Senators, Screwball from the Reading Phillies and Steamer from the Altoona Curve, in addition to Civil War interpreters from Gettysburg. About a half dozen artists representing the Village Artisans Gallery in Boiling Springs demonstrated their craft and displayed their works of art in the Capitol's East Rotunda.

Tourism Day was part of a three-day industry summit held at the Hilton Harrisburg. Prior to the rally and exposition at the Capitol, hundreds of industry professionals paraded from The Hilton, led by the Cedar Cliff High School Color Guard. The PA Tourism Summit kicked off on Monday, March 14 with an opening address by First Lady Susan Corbett, who referred to herself as Pennsylvania's “First Tourist.”

Pennsylvania tourism accounts for more than 400,000 jobs or nearly seven percent of all individuals employed in the state. In 2009 the industry generated $32.9 billion in economic impact to Pennsylvania, which equates to $3.4 billion in state and local tax revenues.

Be sure to click on the photo to enlarge it and you will find something special pertaining to Indiana County!  In efforts to continue promoting Indiana County's hometown hero, Jimmy Stewart, as well as the Jimmy Stewart Museum, numerous people involved in the tourism industry held up Jimmy Stewart masks during this photo!  See how many "Jimmy Stewart's" you can find!!