ERIE, PA — In the heart of the Keystone State, a booming industry is making its mark. The tourism sector in Pennsylvania has grown into an economic powerhouse, generating $76.7 billion and creating nearly half a million jobs in 2022, according to a new report from the Pennsylvania Tourism Office.
The 2022 Economic Impact of Travel and Tourism report, unveiled by Department of Community and Economic Development Deputy Secretary of Tourism Carrie Fischer Lepore, paints a vibrant picture of a thriving industry that welcomed 192.4 million visitors last year, up by more than 12 million from 2021.
These figures reflect the growing allure of Pennsylvania as a travel destination and underscore the vital role of tourism in bolstering the state’s economy. The industry contributed a substantial $4.7 billion in state and local taxes and supported 486,871 jobs, amounting to 1 in every 16 jobs in the state.
Direct visitor spending, which includes expenditures on accommodations, dining, retail, and other tourism-related businesses, saw a significant surge, reaching $45.4 billion—a $7.5 billion increase from the previous year.
The ripple effects of this spending are felt across various sectors, from transportation and infrastructure to education and public safety, all benefiting from the funds injected into the economy by the tourism industry.
“Tourism is a significant economic driver in Pennsylvania,” said Fischer Lepore. “Each household in Pennsylvania would need to pay an additional $880 in taxes to replace the tax dollars generated by the tourism industry which were received by state and local governments in 2022.”
This recognition of the importance of tourism to Pennsylvania’s economy is reflected in the proposed $15 million increase in funding in the 2024-25 budget proposal by the Shapiro Administration.
Visitor spending, a key engine of the industry, generated $9.6 billion in government revenues in 2022. State and local taxes alone accounted for $4.65 billion, marking an increase of $458 million from the previous year.
The report also highlighted a significant uptick in overnight visitor spending, which rose by $4.8 billion, resulting in $28 billion in expenditures. These overnight trips, totaling more than 66 million, saw an average spending of $419 per person, a $31 increase from 2021. Day trip spending also saw a boost, reaching $17.3 billion.
The findings of the report, compiled by the Pennsylvania Tourism Office at DCED in collaboration with Tourism Economics, Longwoods International, and STR, highlight the importance of tourism as a key economic pillar for Pennsylvania. As the industry continues to grow, so does its contribution to job creation, tax revenue, and overall economic health. The future of tourism in Pennsylvania looks promising, indeed.
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