A $15-million investment in tourism marketing included in the recently approved bipartisan 2024-2025 state budget will boost the commonwealth’s economy, attract more visitors, and support good-paying jobs, said Pennsylvania lawmakers, state government officials, local leaders, and business owners Aug. 20.
“From beautiful state parks like Presque Isle, to our outdoor recreation businesses, to hospitality and entertainment industries across the commonwealth, tourism is a powerful economic engine generating over $76 billion a year and supporting more than 486,000 jobs,” said State Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger during an event to highlight the tourism marketing investment held at Presque Isle State Park in Erie County, Pa.
“Gov. Shapiro recognizes that tourism benefits nearly every corner of Pennsylvania,” Siger said. “The new, bipartisan budget increase for tourism marketing will give Pennsylvanians more opportunities to pursue their passion, support their families, and succeed.”
The Pennsylvania Tourism Office, housed within DCED, is dedicated to inspiring travel to Pennsylvania, which officials said can be experienced in a single weekend by nearly 72 million people who live within a four-hour drive of thousands of getaways and experiences.
“At Presque Isle State Park, you can snap a photo of both a sunrise and a sunset with your toes in the sand,” PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said Tuesday. “Amazing outdoor experiences can be had on millions of acres of parks and forests and thousands of miles of trails and waterways in the commonwealth.”
Dunn added that the investment in tourism secured by Gov. Josh Shapiro in the budget will help her department “show visitors and Pennsylvanians the fun they can have outdoors that, in turn, supports the economies of the local communities that welcome and serve them.”
Republican State Sen. Dan Laughlin, who represents the 49th district, said that Tuesday’s event offered a chance to highlight the vital role tourism plays in driving Pennsylvania’s local economy and supporting small businesses.
“The funding provided in the 2024-25 Pennsylvania state budget is a testament to our commitment to preserving these beautiful spaces and ensuring they continue to be accessible and welcoming to all,” Laughlin said. “By investing in tourism, we’re not just promoting our natural resources — we’re investing in the future of our communities.”
PA Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, a Democrat representing the 3rd district, said that Erie and the entire region benefit hugely from such state investments.
“Not just making for a better Presque Isle, but helping local businesses expand or bringing new employers to town,” said Bizzarro. “The budget increases we were able to make happen last month will help us all even more. I make sure that Erie has a loud voice in Harrisburg, and Gov. Shapiro hears us. He is a friend who gets stuff done.”
State Rep. Robert Merski agreed, saying Erie’s natural beauty and rich history offer a unique blend of attractions that can transform the city into a premier tourist destination.
“From the sparkling waters of Lake Erie to the cultural treasures within our museums, we have the potential to create an experience that’s not just a visit, but a journey through the heart of Pennsylvania’s heritage,” said the Democrat representing the 2nd district. “Let’s invest in Erie, let’s celebrate Erie, and let’s share Erie with the world.”