An estimated 72.2 million Americans are expected to travel this weekend to celebrate America’s 249th birthday, according to AAA, and across Southwestern Pennsylvania, communities are gearing up for a lively holiday, hoping visitors will bring an economic boost.
“(Tourism is) a huge thing for the community. It brings in so much for the economy – people filling up their gas tanks, visiting restaurants, and spending money in local shops. It really adds a lot of value to our region,” said Eric Knopsnyder, director of public relations and community outreach for the tourism agency GO Laurel Highlands.
As the nation gears up for what experts expect to be a record-breaking holiday weekend for domestic travel, local officials anticipate a surge of visitors that will leave local businesses seeing red, white, blue…and green.
“Following Memorial Day’s record forecast, AAA is seeing strong demand for road trips and air travel over Independence Day week,” Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel, said in a release. “With the holiday falling on a Friday, travelers have the option of making it a long weekend or taking the entire week to make memories with family and friends.”
Jeff Kotula, president of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce and tourism promotion agency, said Fourth of July tourism is a major revenue generator.
“Tourism in Washington County is nearly a $700 million business and employs over 53,000 people,” Kotula said. “It’s one of our major industries in the county, and holiday tourism is especially important because it is not only attracting people to the county but it’s also bringing people who were originally from here back home.”
Washington County, known for hosting the second largest fourth of July parade in the state, brings in an estimated 40,000 people, Kotula said.
And while there is reason to believe this year’s parade could potentially break attendance records, Kotula said it’s important to remember the real meaning for Independence day.
“It’s a special holiday,” he said. “It’s also a time to enjoy what is going on in your neighborhood, your town and your county. We have so many things that people can come to enjoy…(I)t’s a way to take your family friends and explore the great heritage of Washington county.”
Over the course of 2024, Knopsnyder said tourism brought around $2 billion in Fayette, Westmoreland and Somerset counties. And while Greene County is smaller than neighboring counterparts, that doesn’t mean it’s forgotten, said JoAnne Marshall, tourism director for the county.
“Many small businesses see a boost in outside spending during the holiday,” Marshall said.
Along with the Waynesburg Lions Club fireworks and events, Greene County will also celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Rices Landing Riverfest, which will include a concert and fireworks on July 4.
Marshall said last year out-of-market visitors spent around $30.6 million in Greene county.
Those driving to their holiday travel destinations are likely to get a little relief at the pump. AAA projected fuel prices will drop about 4 cents this week. While that might not seem like a lot, that’s 25 cents cheaper than it was last year.
While local spots might be a little more crowded than usual, Knopsnyder and Kotula both said that’s a good thing.
“We hope it doesn’t cause any issues and encourages people to think about the positive effect on the region,” Knopsnyder said. “Economic impact helps everyone.”
Kotula also urged visitors to be kind to hospitality workers over the holiday weekend.
“They’re working on this holiday weekend while others are not, so please be patient with (them),” he said.
— news from (Herald-Standard)
— News Original —
Local leaders hope Independence Day brings economic fireworks
An estimated 72.2 million Americans are expected to travel this weekend to celebrate America’s 249th birthday, according to AAA, and across Southwestern Pennsylvania, communities are gearing up for a lively holiday, hoping visitors will bring an economic boost.
“(Tourism is) a huge thing for the community. It brings in so much for the economy – people filling up their gas tanks, visiting restaurants, and spending money in local shops. It really adds a lot of value to our region,” said Eric Knopsnyder, director of public relations and community outreach for the tourism agency GO Laurel Highlands.
As the nation gears up for what experts expect to be a record-breaking holiday weekend for domestic travel, local officials anticipate a surge of visitors that will leave local businesses seeing red, white, blue…and green.
“Following Memorial Day’s record forecast, AAA is seeing strong demand for road trips and air travel over Independence Day week,” Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel, said in a release. “With the holiday falling on a Friday, travelers have the option of making it a long weekend or taking the entire week to make memories with family and friends.”
Jeff Kotula, president of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce and tourism promotion agency, said Fourth of July tourism is a major revenue generator.
“Tourism in Washington County is nearly a $700 million business and employs over 53,000 people,” Kotula said. “It’s one of our major industries in the county, and holiday tourism is especially important because it is not only attracting people to the county but it’s also bringing people who were originally from here back home.”
Washington County, known for hosting the second largest fourth of July parade in the state, brings in an estimated 40,000 people, Kotula said.
And while there is reason to believe this year’s parade could potentially break attendance records, Kotula said it’s important to remember the real meaning for Independence day.
“It’s a special holiday,” he said. “It’s also a time to enjoy what is going on in your neighborhood, your town and your county. We have so many things that people can come to enjoy…(I)t’s a way to take your family friends and explore the great heritage of Washington county.”
Over the course of 2024, Knopsnyder said tourism brought around $2 billion in Fayette, Westmoreland and Somerset counties. And while Greene County is smaller than neighboring counterparts, that doesn’t mean it’s forgotten, said JoAnne Marshall, tourism director for the county.
“Many small businesses see a boost in outside spending during the holiday,” Marshall said.
Along with the Waynesburg Lions Club fireworks and events, Greene County will also celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Rices Landing Riverfest, which will include a concert and fireworks on July 4.
Marshall said last year out-of-market visitors spent around $30.6 million in Greene county.
Those driving to their holiday travel destinations are likely to get a little relief at the pump. AAA projected fuel prices will drop about 4 cents this week. While that might not seem like a lot, that’s 25 cents cheaper than it was last year.
While local spots might be a little more crowded than usual, Knopsnyder and Kotula both said that’s a good thing.
“We hope it doesn’t cause any issues and encourages people to think about the positive effect on the region,” Knopsnyder said. “Economic impact helps everyone.”
Kotula also urged visitors to be kind to hospitality workers over the holiday weekend.
“They’re working on this holiday weekend while others are not, so please be patient with (them),” he said.