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Tourism helping drive York County economy
Visitor spending has grown by 31 percent since 2006
Emily Thurlow//May 17, 2018
Tourism helping drive York County economy
Visitor spending has grown by 31 percent since 2006
Emily Thurlow//May 17, 2018
For the seventh year in a row, York County has seen growth in tourism dollars.
According to recently released figures from the state tourism office, spending by travelers in the county known as the Factory Tour Capital of the World increased to $973.6 million, an increase of nearly $30 million from 2015, according to Tourism Economics of Wayne, Delaware County. The rise landed York County among the top 10 counties for traveler spending in Pennsylvania.
Since 2006 visitor spending in York County has grown by more than 31 percent .
The York County Convention and Visitors Bureau said in a press release that the surge in visitor spending could be the result of bringing new events to the county in 2016, including Tyrant Duals, Irish Rumble and Middle Atlantic Junior Olympic Swimming.
In its review, Tourism Economics found that visitors to York County are spending the most on transportation at $288.6 million, with food and beverages coming in second at $226.9 million. Visitors spent $174.1 million on retail. Recreation spending registered at $171.6 million and lodging at $112.3 million.
“When visitors come to York for factory tours, sporting events or to enjoy a day in the vineyard, they spend money that is reinvested into our community,” Anne Druck, president of the York County Convention and Visitors Bureau, said in a statement.
“Whether it’s a restaurant adding more staff for a busy weekend or a municipality using tax revenue to maintain streets, parks and vital services, the impact of tourism can be seen all around us,” Druck added.
