MILTON, PA - Tourism spending in the Susquehanna River Valley region which includes Northumberland, Snyder and Union counties continued its upward trend in 2024 according to the Economic Impact of Travel and Tourism Report issued by Governor Josh Shapiro’s office on September 16.

“We saw a 3.5% year-over-year growth in visitor spending in 2024 bringing our direct impacts to $469.5 million in the three-county region,” said Judy Machesic, Interim Director of the Susquehanna River Valley Visitors Bureau.

The Pennsylvania State Tourism Office partners annually with Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics Company, to measure the statewide and county level impacts of visitor spending. The annual report examines sales, wages, employment and taxes across five key sectors: recreation, retail, food & drink, lodging and transportation. 

“Our region has seen steady growth according to the annual reports released by the state tourism office since 2020,” shared Machesic, “and in 2022, we surpassed our 2019 total of $405 million.” 

Machesic added that one of the largest areas of growth for the region is in the recreation sector. With nationally recognized attractions like Clyde Peeling’s Reptiland, Knoebels Amusement Resort, Faylor Lake Disc Golf Course and Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area along with other family-friendly and outdoor recreation opportunities, this growth is not surprising. 

“When families visit us to enjoy our recreation, the impact ripples outward,” Machesic explained. “After a day at one of our area attractions or on our trails and waterways, visitors will often stop at restaurants and shops, fill their gas tanks and stay overnight. The impact multiplies as attractions hire local services, and employees of these local businesses spend their wages within our region.”

This trend mirrors growth seen statewide. 

“Here in Pennsylvania, we have it all — top tier sports and events, award-winning restaurants, incredible hikes and state parks, and the most important historic sites in the country that tell the story of our shared history. More people deserve the chance to come here and experience the magic of Pennsylvania for themselves,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “72 million people live within a four-hour drive of Pennsylvania ― and once you’re here, you’ll find there’s something for every member of the family.”

The team at the Susquehanna River Valley Visitors Bureau works to sustain this growth by promoting the region through coordinated marketing efforts to welcome and attract these visitors. 

“Our robust marketing plan combines print, radio, social and digital campaigns targeting potential visitors in Pennsylvania and throughout the Mid-Atlantic,” Machesic noted. “Last year we began working with travel social influencers to expand our message in an impactful and authentic way,” she added. 

The bureau also launched a regional blog in the past year and will release its first podcast episode later this month. 

“Our goal is simple, to connect more people with all the amazing experiences our region has to offer,” said Machesic. 

For more information about the Susquehanna River Valley Visitors Bureau and the region it serves, go to VisitCentralPA.org, stop by the Visitors Center at 2733 State Route 45, Suite 2, Milton, PA 17847 or call 570-524-7234.