BELLEFONTE — The Centre County Board of Commissioners proclaimed Wednesday, Aug. 14, as Tourism Appreciation Day in Centre County.
The Tourism Appreciation Day date was selected on the eighth month of the year and 14th day of the month to reflect the county’s area code, 814.
The proclamation comes on the heels of the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau’s release of the results of the 2023 Centre County visitor volume study, which revealed the economic impact of tourism within Centre County.
“The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau is taking steps to ensure that one day each year is dedicated to appreciating the economic value of tourism and ensuring that visitation continues to be a positive, mutually beneficial experience for residents and visitors,” said a statement from HVAB.
According to the visitor volume study, 5 million trips to Centre County occurred in 2023, a new record and a 3.1% increase from the year prior. Last year, HVAB set a goal of 5 million visitors to Centre County by the end of 2024 and is now working towards its next goal of 6 million visitors by 2026.
“The Centre County Board of Commissioners, Penn State University, federal, state and local elected officials, event organizers and community volunteers, resident advocates and ambassadors, and business, tourism, hospitality and community leaders are all valued tourism partners. It is really the entire community, if you get right down to it,” Fritz Smith, HVAB president and CEO, said.
“Tourism Appreciation Day also underscores the Adventure Bureau’s commitment to the resident experience as we grow visitation, to being welcoming to all who visit and to being responsible stewards of our outdoor spaces, our communities and overall tourism assets.”
Another recent study commissioned by the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau and the Happy Valley Sports and Entertainment Alliance revealed that the Centre County region drew about 897,000 visitors for art and cultural events in 2023. These 897,000 visitors generated nearly $181 million in annual spending and an overall economic impact of $282 million.
“Tourism is a billion-dollar industry in Centre County, which brings a great deal of business to our local shops and restaurants, assists with funding events and festivals, and generates grant money for new attractions,” the BOC shared in a statement. “On Aug. 14, we should all take a moment to appreciate the hard work that goes into making sure Happy Valley is appreciated by folks from near and far.”
