House Democratic Policy Committee holds public hearing on economic impact of tourism

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State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro (D-Erie) hosted this week a House Democratic Policy Committee public hearing on the economic impact on tourism in Pennsylvania, at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center in Erie.

“Tourism greatly impacts the state’s economy,” Bizzarro, vice-chairman of the House Democratic Policy Committee, said. “When travelers spend their money at businesses, shops, hotels, and restaurants, it all has a direct impact on suppliers and the wages of local workers.”

Rep. Mark Longietti (D-Mercer), Democratic chair of the House Tourism and Recreational Development Committee, and other state legislators from across the commonwealth also participated in the hearing. Testifiers included: Erie County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper; Chris Temple, director of communications for VisitErie; Dr. James Wertz, associate dean of College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, Edinboro University; Jonathan D’Silva, an attorney and small business consultant for MMI Intellectual Property; and Sean Candela, owner of Sara’s Restaurant.

“Tourism is one of Pennsylvania’s leading industries,” Longietti said. “Our state has a rich history, diverse landscape and a wide variety of available activities to attract visitors.”

According to a recent report by Tourism Economics, travelers spent nearly $1.67 billion in the Great Lakes region, which includes Crawford, Erie, Mercer and Venango counties, in 2016.

This week’s hearing was part of a series being held across the state on the House Democrats’ Plan4PA.