Robbins: Grant Will Help
Develop New Mercer County Tourism Experience
Harrisburg – State Senator Bob Robbins (R-50)
today announced the awarding of a state grant to
help develop a new Mercer County tourism
experience that combines multiple attractions.
Robbins said the $20,000 grant will allow the
Mercer County Historical Society to unite the
existing web sites of several local heritage
attractions to maximize exposure and make them
more user-friendly for visitors.
"This grant will help the Mercer County
Historical Society to do its job more effectively
and efficiently," said Robbins. "By promoting
multiple attractions and bringing together various
web sites we can make it easier for visitors to
come to Mercer County and stay longer."
The Mercer County Historical Society was one of
12 organizations statewide awarded a total of
$500,000 to help market heritage tourism in
Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Tourism Office
received 42 grant applications. Each grant was
reviewed by a committee comprised of members of
the Travel and Tourism Partnership, a
public-private partnership that advises the
governor and the state Department of Community and
Economic Development on tourism plans and policy.
The goal of the grants is to increase the
quality, length and number of visits; boost
visitor spending; spur economic growth, including
new jobs; and encourage the preservation of
Pennsylvania's historical assets by making them
economically productive.
The total impact of traveler spending on
Pennsylvania's economy is about $34 billion a
year, and tourism is responsible for more than
563,000 jobs.
"Promoting tourism in Mercer County is not only
a way to publicize our proud heritage, it is an
important economic development tool," said
Robbins.
CONTACT: Mike Hengst (717) 787-1322
