Through a partnership with our local tourism promotion agencies, the Commonwealth's travel and tourism industry grew by 6 percent last year - twice the national average. Our strategy has created a vibrant 'New Pennsylvania,' which is drawing tourists and visitors from around the world.
Tourism is Pennsylvania's second-largest industry.
The matching grants will be used by local tourism promotion agencies to develop promotional materials, advertisements and other marketing activities. Responding to Gov. Ridge's call for a more regional approach to tourism marketing, a record 25 applications were received and awarded funding under this portion of the grant program. The largest of these regional tourism promotion projects is a sales mission made up of representatives from 18 TPAs who will call on motorcoach tour operators in North Carolina in spring 1999. Gov. Ridge also has led several other initiatives to further stimulate travel and tourism to Pennsylvania to ensure that the Commonwealth continues to thrive in the growing tourism industry.