OP-ED: Tourism alive and well in Washington County
Summer in Washington County is something to celebrate as we welcome the festivals and events that make our area one of the best places to live and visit in the region. To date, we have welcomed the Greater Pittsburgh Food Truck Festival, All-Clad Factory Sale, Whiskey Rebellion Festival, Running of the Wools, Little A Town Arena rodeos, The Delvin Miller Adios Pace for the Orchids, and RiverFest, plus farmers’ markets, arts performances, Wild Things games, and the Canonsburg 4th of July Parade. These events attract tens of thousands of visitors to our county, demonstrating our tourism economy is thriving.
For most, these attractions are a great way to enjoy leisure activities, but for others, tourism is a major economic driver and an important part of their livelihood. An annual report from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania shows that direct traveler spending in Washington County is over $765 million a year and supports more than 8,600 local jobs. In fact, it is estimated that the upcoming Printscape PONY League World Series will generate approximately $6.5 million in economic impact through hotel stays, shopping, restaurants, and other activities of the over 30,000 visitors participating in the tournament. Overall, these impressive statistics allow Washington County to rank high in traveler spending among counties in the Greater Pittsburgh region.
Although we are proud of our regional standing, to ensure long-term growth it is essential to continue our investment in the promotion of the county and capital improvements of tourism assets. To encourage this development, the Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency works with our tourism partners to direct resources toward marketing and social media campaigns that drive visitors’ interest in our county.
In addition to marketing investments, the agency has awarded nearly $400,000 in marketing and capital improvement grants directly to our tourism partners this year alone. This is complemented by more than $1.5 million in grants and matching funds invested in our local communities through the American Spirit Grant Program. This unique program was created by the tourism agency to provide our municipalities with resources to invest in projects that enhance the visitor experience and commemorate America250. From North Strabane to South Franklin to East Washington to West Pike Run, these projects have improved recreational, cultural, and historic assets across the county.
As the summer tourism season continues into the fall, we look forward to events like the American Junior Golf Association, McSummerFest, Washington County Agricultural Fair, and West Alexander Fair as well as EQT Washington & Greene Counties’ Covered Bridge Festival, Charleroi’s Little Great Race, Hickory Apple Festival, Houston Pumpkin Festival, and Pennsylvania Bavarian Oktoberfest.
It is imperative we continue to promote our county’s tourism assets and focus on the future of our county’s tourism industry by making strategic investments to support its long-term success. The continued popularity and growth of these events is a sign that our local tourism economy is strong, our strategy of media promotion and investment is paying dividends, and our communities are benefiting from the tourism industry’s growth.
Jeff M. Kotula is President of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Promotion Agency.