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Pennsylvania Celebrates Tourism Day
HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Pennsylvania Gov. Edward G. Rendell today celebrated Tourism Day in Pennsylvania as more than 150 tourism advocates from across the state gathered at the Capitol to support tourism's contributions to Pennsylvania's economy. The event marked the 21st Annual National Tourism Week, celebrated May 8-16."Tourism Day is the perfect vehicle for promoting the wonderful attractions in our state as well as delivering the message that travel and tourism are vital to Pennsylvania's economy," Rendell says. "Today should also serve as a reminder that the people in the private and public sectors are working hard every day to maintain the industry's vitality."Tourism is Pennsylvania's second-largest industry, and with about 117 million visitors annually, Pennsylvania is the fourth most visited state in the country, tied with New York. The total impact of travelers' spending on Pennsylvania's economy is about $34 billion a year, and tourism is responsible for more than 563,000 jobs.As part of the celebration, Rendell announced four new tourism initiatives:Spring/Summer Advertising Campaign. The advertising campaign will feature four road trips and will be supported through television, radio and print. The ads will speak to the outdoor, cultural and heritage destinations travelers will find along each route.Pennsylvania's Wilds. Located in the northwestern part of the state, Pennsylvania's Wilds is an undeveloped area larger than the state of Connecticut, and boasts some of the most interesting wildlife this side of the Mississippi. The Pennsylvania Tourism Office, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and PennDOT are working closely to enhance park and forest land, create the proper signage and promote this area.Heritage Development Grants. These grants will help market "heritage" tourism in Pennsylvania to increase the quality, length and number of visits; boost visitor spending; spur economic growth, including new jobs; and encourage the preservation of Pennsylvania's historical assets by making them economically productive.Civil War Trails. Civil War Trails will provide structure for travelers to help them experience a sequence of events tied to the landscape and for preservationists to actively participate in the safekeeping of Civil War sites. Once the trails are defined, road signs are installed to alert tourists of the historical sites. Also, brochures are created to outline each trail in details with maps, driving instructions, and history. Next, interpretive signs are made to tell the story of each site along the trail."