Shapiro Touts State’s Tourism Economy With New Slogan ‘Pennsylvania: The Great American Getaway’
Ahead of Memorial Day weekend, Gov. Josh Shapiro announced Monday a new state tourism brand: “Pennsylvania: The Great American Getaway.”
The governor, in his role as the state’s cheerleader, hopes to encourage more people to visit the commonwealth. Tourism is a key piece of the Governor’s economic development strategy, generating some $76 billion for the state’s economy and supporting more than 486,000 jobs a year in Pennsylvania. The new brand builds on Shapiro’s proposed $18 million tourism and business marketing line item in the state’s budget to boost the economy, attract more visitors, and support good-paying jobs.
After unveiling the new brand, Shapiro and his family will embark on their own Great American Getaway – a statewide, week-long RV tour across 14 counties to visit small businesses, promote Pennsylvania destinations, and showcase all the state has to offer as a premier getaway destination.
Location, location, location: Pennsylvania is a weekend getaway destination within close driving distance to major hubs along the East Coast, including New York City, Baltimore, and Washington DC. The state’s main streets and small towns, world class restaurants and bars, renowned historical sites, thrilling outdoor recreation, and top tier events and sports can be experienced in a single weekend by nearly 72 million people who live within a four-hour drive of thousands of getaways and experiences.
“Here in Pennsylvania, we have it all – from 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 Shapiro. “Seventy-two 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.”
Many Delaware Valley residents are looking forward to having fun locally on Memorial Day weekend and commemorating the military heroes who lost their lives while serving our country.
Here are some DelVal events:
In Bucks County:
Some specific Memorial Day focused events include Sellersville Borough’s Memorial Day & Sesquicentennial Parade and Chaddsford Winery’s Memorial Day Taco Fest.
Other ideas can be found on the Visit Bucks County website.
In Chester County:
Longwood Gardens Festive Friday It’s a Love Story – Taylor Swift themed – culminating with Illuminated Fountain Performance Shake it Off:Taylor Swift
Chaddsford Winery’s Taco Fest – enjoy tacos, refreshing wines and spirits and live music all weekend long.
Walk or drive through Styers Peony Festival – 25 acres of more than 55,000 blooms in beautiful Chadds Ford PA
Visit the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair the largest and longest running multi-breed horse competition in the U.S. The country fair features delights for the whole family. Amusement rides, festival fare, renowned shops and vendors await at this storied event.
Kennett Collaborative announced the Kennett Square Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 27, 2024 at 10 a.m.
In Delaware County:
If you’d like to see art by members of the iconic Wyeth family, check out the Brandywine Museum of Art. “Jamie Wyeth: Unsettled” will be on exhibit through June 9.
On Memorial day both Radnor and Media will have Memorial Day parades on May 27.
The Media parade will begin at 10 a.m. on State Street outside the theater.
The Rdnor parade will begin at 9:45 at the corners of Runnymede and S. Wayne avenues.
Enjoy a day of theater and music at the Act II Playhouse in Ambler. The theater’s latest show, “Forever Plaid”, tells the story of four friends united by their love of 1950’s pop music and the creation of their own band, “The Plaids”.
Take time on Memorial Day to soak up history on a Trolley Tour of Valley Forge National Park. The 90-minute, guided tour includes extended stops at the Muhlenberg Brigade huts and Washington’s Headquarters. Reservations are suggested.
“Pennsylvania is the Great American Getaway, and my Administration is making tourism a top priority for the first time in more than a decade – it is a central part of our economic development strategy and my new budget calls for an $18 million increase for tourism and business marketing. This new brand and funding will help us grow small businesses, support our communities, and create opportunity for more Pennsylvanians,” Shapiro added.
Please follow DVJournal on social media: Twitter@DVJournal or Facebook.com/DelawareValleyJournal
