HARRISBURG – The second annual statewide Tourism Summit, April 30 – May 2 at the Hilton Harrisburg, will present an opportunity to formally introduce the industry’s newly-created Pennsylvania Association of Travel and Tourism (PATT).
Focused on its future, Pennsylvania’s tourism industry has mobilized to form a new statewide association to enhance its advocacy, public awareness and professional development programs.
Pennsylvania tourism is a critical component of the state’s economy. Comprised of leisure and business travel, tourism offers visitors a diverse selection of experiences. Pennsylvania tourists come from nearby towns, neighboring states and halfway around the world. In 2010, they spent more than $31 billion, generating more than $3 billion in tax revenue. This tax revenue supports public education and social welfare programs.
In 2010, tourism directly employed 433,000 Pennsylvanians. The industry provides valuable work experiences for high school and college students, viable incomes, advancement opportunities, and promising life-long careers in hospitality, entertainment, food and beverage, recreation, the arts and history for talented professionals.
“Through PATT, Pennsylvania Tourism will be more proactive and engaged through advocacy and public awareness when it comes to local, regional and state-wide issues impacting its future,” said Rob Fulton, President of the Pennsylvania Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus, which has played a key role in the formation of PATT.
The Pennsylvania Tourism Summit will be the platform for the official roll out of PATT. This annual gathering of the state’s tourism industry includes representatives of every facet of PA tourism including wineries, golf courses, hotels, restaurants, attractions, suppliers and many other tourism partners.
The highlight of the summit occurs on Monday, April 30 at 3 p.m. at the State Capitol to celebrate Tourism Day. The rally will include hundreds of people employed by this vital state industry including costumed characters from area attractions and sporting events, in addition to a variety of exhibits and promotions highlighting the many features of tourism in Pennsylvania.
The public is invited to join in the celebration of the state’s tourism industry by attending the rally and expo at the Capitol from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday, April 30.