Pennsylvania officials have intensified efforts to promote state tourism, focusing on its cities, towns, and many tourist attractions, writes Harrison Cann for the City & State Pennsylvania.

In May, the first family embarked on a week-long RV tour across the commonwealth supporting the launch of Governor Josh Shapiro’s new “Great American Getaway” marketing campaign. The initiative aligns with renewed efforts by the administration and the state’s Office of Tourism to attract visitors from outside Pennsylvania.

Following the state’s tourism rebranding, Anne Ryan, now deputy secretary of the Office of Tourism and leader of the Visit PA initiative, focused on inspiring the 72 million Americans within a four-hour drive of Pennsylvania to experience the Great American Getaway.

She said that Shapiro’s belief in the Great American Getaway is a key part of their content strategy.

Ryan added that his promotion of the commonwealth, combined with several high-profile sporting and historic events coming to Pennsylvania in the coming years, could attract future investments.

“We need funds to go out and bid and sell our state as a place for the next international fishing tournament or a girls’ lacrosse league,” said Ryan. “It costs money to go out and bid and attract sporting events and entertainment events and conferences, and (local organizations) are so thrilled to have funding.”

Read more about Pennsylvania’s efforts to promote tourism in the City & State Pennsylvania.

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