tourism Archives - Central Penn Business Journal

Sojourn Noir receives grant to promote Black tourism in York

Sojourn Noir, a Black tourism initiative, received $75,000 from the Tourism Grant Program of York County to create inviting spaces and experiences throughout York County where Black travelers feel respected and welcomed.

The grant was approved last month at the Explore York Board of Directors meeting.
Sojourn Noir promotes and seeks to bring Black tourists to York, an area with culture, history, and a diverse community of makers, Explore York said.

According to a piece from MMGY Global, “The Black Traveler: Insights, Opportunities & Priorities,” Black U.S. leisure travelers accounted for more than 500 million overnight stays, contributing more than 100 billion tourism dollars, or 13.1% of the U.S. leisure travel market in 2022.

That same research shows 42% of respondents stated they felt unwelcome in a destination they visited.

“We aim to create a welcoming haven and a culturally representative environment in York County. It is beyond time to change,” said Joanne Wilmore, founder and CEO of Sojourn Noir

Sojourn Noir said it looks to combat negative historical trends and narratives and create new and positive opportunities for Black travelers in York County by encouraging Black travelers to explore experiences, activities and adventures they have been historically denied access or safe passage to and increasing the cultural competency of businesses and tourism bureaus to provide good experiences.

“We support their mission and vision and look forward to a long-standing partnership with Sojourn Noir as we work together to increase tourism equity and inclusion and create funding opportunities within our community,” said Laura Wagner, Explore York president.

Specific outcomes of the Sojourn Noir project will include culturally focused training; targeted, digital marketing; business outreach; and representation at Black leisure travel conferences.

Grants available for Cumberland County nonprofits

Cumberland County nonprofits can now apply for a statewide grant program through the Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation (CAEDC).

The Local Share Account (LSA), a statewide grant program which opened Sept. 1, is for nonprofits seeking funding for projects between $25,000 and $1 million with either an economic component or to grow overnight stays for visitors to the region, CAEDC said.

Eligible uses include:

Acquisition
Construction
Demolition
Infrastructure
Purchase of vehicles, machinery and/or equipment (excluding unforms, protective equipment, consumable supplies, and furniture)
Planning, consulting, and design costs related to planning projects.
Engineering, design, and inspection, to include permitting fees, for construction projects not to exceed 10% of the total grant award.
Administrative costs of the grantee for the purposes of administering the grant. Administrative costs may not exceed 2% of the total grant request.
Contingency costs not to exceed 5% of documented construction and infrastructure costs.

Interested, qualified applicants can apply through Nov. 30 on CAEDC’s online application at CumberlandBusiness.com/lsa-application or by contacting staff.

Gettysburg tourism big business for local communities

More than 786,000 visitors to Gettysburg National Military Park and Eisenhower National Historic Site in 2022 spent $57.1 million in communities near the park, according to a new National Park Service (NPS) report.

Tourism spending supported 686 jobs in the local area and had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of $82.1 million.

“Gettysburg and Eisenhower welcome visitors locally and from around the world,” Superintendent Steven D. Sims said in a statement. “We are happy to be able to share the stories of the Battle of Gettysburg and the lives of President and First Lady, Dwight and Mamie Eisenhower, to the numerous experiences they provide.

“We also appreciate the partnerships and support of our neighbors and are very fortunate to be part of the thriving heritage tourism and outdoor recreation communities throughout south-central Pennsylvania.”

Economists at the National Park Service conducted the peer-reviewed visitor spending analysis. The report shows $23.9 billion of direct spending by nearly 312 million park visitors in communities within 60 miles of a national park.

This spending supported 378,400 jobs nationally; 314,600 of those jobs are found in these gateway communities. The cumulative benefit to the U.S. economy was $50.3 billion.

The lodging sector had the highest direct effects of visitor spending, with $9 billion in economic output nationally. The second greatest effect went to the restaurant sector, with $4.6 billion in economic output nationally.

Two grants offered to help Cumberland County businesses increase tourism

The Cumberland County Visitors Bureau launched its Tourism Product Development Grant (TPD) program Monday to increase tourism in Cumberland County.

The Cumberland County Visitors Bureau, a marketing arm of the Cumberland County Economic Development Corp. (CAEDC), said it is also launching a new Tourism Recovery Grant to help businesses recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Tourism Product Development (TPD) Grant is intended to increase the number or products, experiences and services that draw overnight visitors to the Cumberland Valley, CAEDC said. Awarded grant projects will increase the number of visits, length of stays and spending by visitors in the county.

Applicants for the TPD Grant, which has been on hiatus since mid-2020, can request between $25,000-250,000.

The new Tourism Recovery Grant can be used to purchase machinery and equipment, marketing, developing new experiences or deferred maintenance that increases tourism, CAEDC said.

Applicants can request between $2,500 to $10,000 in funding for this program. For both programs, applicants must provide at least a 50-cent match for each dollar awarded.

“We’re excited to re-launch tourism grant opportunities for many businesses in the Cumberland Valley as they continue to rebuild and find new ways to highlight our area as a tourism destination” said CAEDC Marketing Manager Ashley Kurtz.

CAEDC began offering tourism grants in 2010 and has awarded over $1.9 million to 199 projects.

Softball championships to generate $1.1 million for York County

York County is expecting more than 1,000 visitors who will generate an estimated $1.1 million in tourism revenue when the International Slow Pitch Softball U.S. National Championships are held there in September.

Melissa Beaverson of Explore York/Sports York, said the tournament, slated for Sept. 8-10 at Bob Hoffman Stadium at York Memorial Park Complex on Vander Avenue, will draw teams, coaches, and spectators from around the country and Puerto Rico.

Manuel T. Ferrero III, the commissioner of the softball league, said this is the first time the U.S. National tournament will be held outside of Florida, where the league was founded.

Games will include men’s, women’s, senior and mixed teams.

“We’ve been talking about this since 2017,” Ferrero said during a press conference at Bob Hoffman Stadium Tuesday. “Laura Wagner [president of Explore York] showed me the fields. Then COVID got in the way. So now we are here.”

Ferrero, whose organization received $50,000 from the York County Tourism Grant Program to bring the tournament to York, told the crowd the league started as Florida Adult Softball in 2008 in memory of his brother PFC Marius Ferrero who was killed in Iraq in November 2007.

The league grew throughout Florida sparking interest from other states. Ferrero said the league really took off when Puerto Rico joined so the name was changed to recognize the country’s contribution.

“Puerto Rico was instrumental in our growth,” he said.

Tom Landis, superintendent of Parks and Recreation in York, said the teams from Puerto Rico will appeal to the Hispanic community, which is large in York County.

“It’s impactful to see people who look like you play the game,” he said.

“Pennsylvania is only the second location in the United States to sponsor this,” Ferrero said.

“We are thrilled to provide traffic to our hotels and restaurants,” said Rasheeda Martin, director of sales for Explore York. “This is a high impact event.”

Tom Landis, superintendent of Parks and Recreation in York, said the teams from Puerto Rico will appeal to the Hispanic community, which is large in York County.

“It’s impactful to see people who look like you play the game,” he said.

Lancaster’s tourism industry increases, new events planned for 2023

When it comes to tourism and travel, everything is coming up (red) roses for Lancaster County in 2023.

Lancaster’s tourism continues to grow, boosting the local workforce and continuing the industry’s rebound from the pandemic, Discover Lancaster stated in its 2022 tourism economic report.

“It’s great to see that Lancaster County tourism continued to grow even more last year, off a solid 2021,” Edward Harris, president/CEO of Discover Lancaster, said in a statement.

“Leisure travel kept increasing in 2022, making our overall visitation numbers higher than pre-pandemic 2019 levels for the second year in a row.  We also made further gains in restoring both group travel and the workforce that sustains our industry and allows it to make such a major contribution to the area’s economy.”

The county’s official destination marketing organization, Discover Lancaster announced along with its tourism report the introduction of the Lancaster County Ice Cream Trail. The mobile-based trail runs through Sept. 30 and represents one of Lancaster’s new tourism attractions for this year.

The trail includes 25 stops and trail users are eligible for store discounts and can redeem points for merchandise.

Discover Lancaster is also promoting the following:

Lancaster Electric Bicycle Tour from Unique Lancaster Experiences.
River tours on Susquehanna National Heritage Area’s new historic electric boat.
Enola Low Grade multi-use trail.

Route and equipment upgrades made to Lititz Bikeworks’ bike share offering on the Warwick-Ephrata Rail Trail.
Dutch Wonderland’s 60th anniversary season, which features a new ride and entertainment.
Sight & Sound Theatres’ production of “Moses”, which is returning after nine years.
Dining & retail spots in Lancaster City, including Proof Lancaster, 401 Prime, and A Concrete Rose.
Eden Resort & Suites’ new Bistro 2two2 dining and a second pool and cabanas rentals.

Lancaster Science Factory’s new Sky Bridge – 35 climber panels reaching to 25 feet high.
Kitchen Kettle Village’s new and expanded stores.
Bird-in-Hand’s Artisan Village.

The tourism report was conducted by the analysis firm Tourism Economics and notes that in 2022, an estimated 9.77 million visitors to Lancaster County spent $2.45 billion. Those figures represented respective gains of 7.1% and 15.5% over 2021.

In addition, 24,481 county jobs, including 15,996 direct industry jobs, were supported by visitor spending.  Both totals grew by nearly 6% last year and kept tourism in the Top 10 largest non-agriculture private sector employers in the county.

First State of the County slated for Lebanon County

Lebanon Valley Chamber of Commerce is holding its first State of the County to give the business community an overview of the status of the county and an outlook for the future.

The May 25th event will include short presentations from seven areas including business and economic development, education and pipelines to employment, community health needs, tourism and quality of life, transportation and industry impacts, emergency preparedness, and an overview of the county’s financial health and budget pressures, the chamber said.

The focus of each presentation will lean toward its impact on the business community.

Chamber President and CEO Karen Groh said she has seen the importance and interconnection of each county department and community organization.

“Unless you’ve had the need to navigate for services, the average citizen isn’t aware of how many agencies keep a community running smoothly,” Groh said. “We want to showcase the work of these agencies and the amazing individuals who work hard behind the scenes.”

The response has been very positive since the event was announced and the Chamber said it expects it to be an annual event with subsequent years focusing on areas of significant growth or change.

“We’re hoping this event will showcase how wonderful it is to live, learn and work in Lebanon County and how each agency has an impact on our business community,” Groh said. “Businesses should leave with a better understanding of where things are going and how they can engage on a deeper level.”

The State of the County will run from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. May 25 at the Leedy Auditorium at Lebanon Valley College.

Beer trail to boost tourism in Capital Region

This limited-edition Leprechauns & Lagers t-shirt is available to participants of the Leprechauns & Lagers promotion – PHOTO/PROVIDED

Visit Hershey & Harrisburg launched its seasonal mobile app promotion for 2023, a program that netted Dauphin County an estimated $500,000 in tourism since 2020.

The Leprechauns & Lagers, a Brew Barons Beer Trail, is a year-round interactive mobile experience designed to draw visitors to more than 30 participating craft breweries and tasting locations in the Hershey Harrisburg Region.

Brew Barons seasonal app promotions like Leprechauns & Lagers are bonus experiences that offer opportunities to engage with the craft breweries.

The Leprechauns & Lagers promotion runs February 16 to March 31. Guests who use the mobile app to check in at eight participating breweries during that time will earn a limited-edition Leprechauns & Lagers t-shirt. Guests can also continue to check in on the original Brew Barons Beer Trail to earn tiered prizes.

“The extensive variety of breweries within just a few miles of the Capital City and Hershey make our region a true craft beer destination and economic driver,” said VHH President and CEO Mary Smith. “Seasonal, or ‘bonus’ trail promotions allow us to both re-engage craft beer enthusiasts who are already using the Brew Barons mobile passport and to help us reach new consumers in our efforts to support the local craft breweries through tourism,” Smith continued.

The Brew Barons Beer Trail and its seasonal bonus trail promotions like Leprechauns & Lagers help to drive economic impact not just to the local breweries, but to businesses across Dauphin County, VHH said.

Beer tourists typically travel in a party of four, stay for at least one overnight, and spend an average of $252.38 per person per trip, according to a Bowers, Economic Impact of Beer Tourism report.

Based on this spending study and user data from the mobile passport, VHH conservatively estimates that the Brew Barons Beer Trail and its seasonal trails produced more than $500,000.00 in local economic impact for Dauphin County from the program’s launch in 2020 through 2022.

To participate, patrons download the free Brew Barons Beer Trail mobile passport app and tap the Leprechauns & Lagers icon.

There are nearly 500 craft breweries in Pennsylvania according to the Brewers Association. More than 30 craft breweries and tasting locations are participating in the Hershey Harrisburg Brew Barons Beer Trail.

The Brew Barons Beer Trail is one of several VHH Trails & Experiences & Cultural Guides designed to present the region’s tourism assets. They include Brew Barons Beer Trail. Adventure Trail, Chocolate & More Sweet Treat Trail, The Black Travel Experience, Murals & More – A Walk of Art, and ¡Bienvenido! (The Latino Tourism Initiative).

York firm looks to draw Black tourists to county

Sojourn Noir is working with York’s tourism industry to attract Black tourists – PHOTO/PROVIDED

A new marketing organization and hospitality training company is working with businesses to bring Black people to York County.

Sojourn Noir (Bring Yourself Here) began as a seedling vision in 2019 in York City. Leisure Lee LLC, the parent company of Sojourn Noir, was developed to respond to historical issues of oppression for Black travelers, according to founder and CEO Joanne Wilmore.

“The very nature of creating beauteous spaces for Black people to rest and enjoy leisure is an act that defies the natural order this country set forth for Black descendants of the Transatlantic slave trade,” Wilmore said.

The company will encourage African Americans to explore experiences, activities, and adventures they’ve been historically denied access or safe passage to reintroduce them to the restorative power of rest and sleep and increase the cultural intelligence of local and national businesses and tourism bureaus to provide an optimal travel experience.

Initial funding for development was provided through a grant from the York County Community Foundation.

Black U.S. leisure travelers accounted for $109.4 billion in travel spending in 2019 and those dollars deserve respect and meaningful engagement, she said.

Sojourn Noir works with York area retailers, restaurants, and other members of the hospitality and tourism industry to help create inviting spaces and experiences where Black travelers feel respected, welcome, and are filled with a sense of belonging.

Sojourn Noir recognizes that Black people in the U.S. have historically and purposely been denied the self-care practices of rest, luxury and leisure including the opportunity to travel and explore freely.

“It is beyond time to change that. Sojourn Noir defines self-care as the purposeful and intentional stepping away from systems of oppression whose purpose is to keep one too exhausted, frustrated and distracted to have space to dream, imagine, and actualize freedom,” Wilmore said.

York County tourism grant program open for 2023

The Explore York Tourism Grant Program is accepting round one applications for this year, open to organizations to request funding for tourism-related projects and events.

The program seeks projects that support geographic diversity across York County. Those promoting racial equity are also encouraged. Examples would be projects that highlight York County’s “Makers Spirit!”

Applications are being sought for tourism initiatives that:

· Attract visitors outside of a 50-mile radius of York County.

· Create a positive financial impact through hotel stays.

· Enhance the visitor experience.

First-round applicants must request at least $2,500. All grant applications require a 25% cash or in-kind match. There is no limit to the funds requested during this round, and applications are being accepted now through noon Feb. 15. The window for round two applications opens this summer.

Since it began in 2017, the grant program has reinvested more than $3 million in York County tourism initiatives.

Paula Wolf is a freelance writer

New tourism trail targets coffee drinkers

Cafe One Eight at 18 W Orange St, Lancaster, is one of 21 coffee shops on the Discover Lancaster Coffee Trail. PHOTO/CAFE ONE EIGHT

Discover Lancaster is rolling out a new initiative that puts coffee drinkers on the road to Lancaster County coffee shops.

Some 20 unique coffee shops, in fact, are spread across Lancaster County and reach from Lancaster City to Ephrata.

“The rollout comes at a time when tourism has traditionally seen an uptick in out-of-town visitors arriving for the popular fall harvest season,” said Ed Harris, President & CEO of Discover Lancaster. “This is one more fun activity to add to a jam-packed itinerary to enhance the visitor experience. There’s plenty of options to find a great coffee and pumpkin-spiced latte.”

Developed in partnership with Bandwango, the Discover Lancaster Coffee Trail is the first in a series of themed trails to be rolled out in future seasons to enhance the visitor experience. Harris said the mobile passport offers a curated collection of coffee shops in Lancaster, as well as exclusive deals and discounts to favorite local coffee spots.

“From Lancaster City, to Intercourse, to Ephrata, and everywhere in between,” said Harris, “there’s a wide range of unique coffee shop experiences that can be found in our towns across Lancaster County.”

The list of participating shops on the Coffee Trail include:

Aura Espresso Room; Bird-in-hand Bakery & Cafe; Butter & Bean; Cafe 301; Cafe Arabella; Cafe One Eight; Coffee Co – Lancaster; Copper Cup; Courtyard Cafe on Main; Hudson Botanical; Javteas Gourmet Coffee Cafe; La Mattina Caffe; Mill 72 Bake Shop & Cafe; Passenger Coffee & Tea; Prince Street Cafe; Rachel’s Cafe & Creperie; September Farm Cheese; Speckled Hen Coffee; Square One Coffee Roasters; The Houston Co. Cafe; and The Roasted Rooster

“Our new mobile-based coffee trail highlights the many small businesses who have poured everything they have into opening the coffee shop of their dreams,” Harris said.

Visitors to the participating coffee shops can check-in digitally at each stop to count towards their prize. After 5 stops visitors earn a Discover Lancaster Sticker & Coaster. After 10 stops, a Discover Lancaster Coffee Mug. A Discover Lancaster Canvas Bag is earned after 15 stops. Prizes can be redeemed at Discover Lancaster visitors center.

“This is an invitation to celebrate Lancaster and bring more business to our small businesses,” said Harris. “Our mission is to educate people about what’s in our back yard. We have expectations for an ice cream trail, a brewery trail. We’re excited to roll this out and test it.”

New International Relations Caucus looks to strengthen ties around globe

The state House of Representatives has created a bipartisan International Relations Caucus to strengthen the state’s standing around the world.

Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, R-Berks/Lehigh

The caucus, chaired by Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, R-Berks/Lehigh, will focus on a variety of issues, including international trade, tourism, and investment, as it works to cultivate a greater understanding and enhance mutual respect between the state and foreign nations.

The caucus would accomplish its mission through a variety of efforts, which will include:

Hosting foreign delegations.
Enhancing cultural and educational relationships.
Fostering trade relationships to promote Pennsylvania business and industry abroad.
Optimizing shipping, logistics, and supply chains.

“Other state legislatures have created similar groups that promote their interests internationally and I believe it is time for Pennsylvania to do the same,” Mackenzie said. “I look forward to working with members from both sides of the aisle in improving our relationships and developing new ones with foreign governments, businesses, and academic institutions.”

Rep. Danilo Burgos, D-Philadelphia

Rep. Danilo Burgos, D-Philadelphia, will join Mackenzie as the Democratic chair of the International Relations Caucus. “I look forward to working with Rep. Mackenzie and our colleagues to identify new commerce and cultural opportunities for our Commonwealth,” Burgos said.

Mackenzie has a long-standing interest in international relations and has played a role in several related issues during his 10 years in the House of Representatives. Most recently, Mackenzie fought to secure funding in the 2021-22 state budget to reopen Pennsylvania’s Office of Trade and Investment in Taiwan, which had been closed by the Wolf Administration. Earlier this year, he hosted a visit to the Capitol by Germany’s Consul General David Gill.

Additionally, Mackenzie was named a Young Leader by both the American Swiss Foundation and the American Council on Germany; was selected to serve as a delegate to the Palestinian Territories, Israel, and Jordan by the American Council of Young Political Leaders; and he has been a fellow of both the U.S.-Japan Leadership Program and the British-American Project.

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Tag: tourism

Gettysburg tourism big business for local communities

Lancaster’s tourism industry increases, new events planned for 2023

York County tourism grant program open for 2023

New tourism trail targets coffee drinkers