Pennsylvania Tourism Industry Surges to $84 Billion, Supporting Over 500,000 Jobs

The Pennsylvania Tourism Office reports that in 2024, the state's tourism industry generated an impressive $83.9 billion in economic impact and supported 514,261 jobs.

 

This marks a substantial increase from the previous year, reflecting the sector's robust growth.

 

Governor Josh Shapiro has prioritized enhancing the tourism industry to create quality jobs and strengthen local businesses.

 

Under his administration, the industry expanded by $7 billion from 2023 to 2024, leading to the creation of 30,000 additional jobs across the Commonwealth.

 

In 2024, Pennsylvania welcomed 201.6 million visitors, nearly 10 million more than in 2023.

 

Visitor spending reached $49.9 billion, a 4.2% year-over-year increase.

 

The tourism sector also contributed $5 billion in state and local taxes, underscoring its vital role in the state's economy.

 

Governor Shapiro emphasized Pennsylvania's diverse attractions, stating, "Here in Pennsylvania, we have it all—top-tier sports and events, award-winning restaurants, incredible hikes and state parks, and the most important historic sites in the country that tell the story of our shared history."

 

He added, "More people deserve the chance to come here and experience the magic of Pennsylvania for themselves."

 

Overnight visitors increased by 2% over the previous year, with more than 71 million visitors resulting in $30.4 billion in spending.

 

Overnight visitors spent $428 per person, up $9 from 2023, while spending on day trips grew to $19.5 billion.

 

The international visitor market increased its share to 4.2% of tourism demand in 2024, up from 3.9% in 2023.

 

These figures highlight the significant impact of tourism on Pennsylvania's economy and the effectiveness of initiatives aimed at promoting the state's attractions.

 

As the Commonwealth continues to invest in its tourism sector, it anticipates further growth and prosperity for its residents and businesses.

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