Noting that tourism generates more than $75 billion in economic impact in the Commonwealth, Gov. Josh Shapiro unveiled a new state tourism brand and summer travel marketing campaign on Monday in Lackawanna County.

Pennsylvania: The Great American Getaway.

Shapiro, alongside Lt. Gov. Austin Davis and Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger, joined statewide tourism leaders at PNC Field in Moosic to encourage more people to travel across and visit the Commonwealth.

“Here in Pennsylvania, we have it all – from 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. More people deserve the chance to come here and experience the magic of Pennsylvania for themselves,” said Shapiro.

“Seventy-two million people live within a four-hour drive of Pennsylvania – and once you’re here, you’ll find there’s something for every member of the family. Pennsylvania is the Great American Getaway, and my Administration is making tourism a top priority for the first time in more than a decade – it is a central part of our economic development strategy and my new budget calls for an $18 million increase for tourism and business marketing. This new brand and funding will help us grow small businesses, support our communities, and create opportunity for more Pennsylvanians.”

The Commonwealth is a premier getaway destination to major East Coast hubs, given its close driving proximity to New York City, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C. Pittsburgh and Philadelphia are home to Major League Baseball, National Football League and National Hockey League teams, while Philly also plays host to National Basketball Association and Major League Soccer teams.

Two popular RV camping locations in the state are ranked among USA Today’s “10Best RV campgrounds” – Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park’s Camp and Resort, located in Mill Run, Fayette County, ranked fourth, and Lake Raystown Resort, located in Entriken, Huntingdon County – while Pennsylvania’s main streets and small towns, world class restaurants and bars, renowned historical sites, and outdoor recreation can be experienced in a single weekend by nearly 72 million people who live within a four-hour drive of thousands of getaways and experiences.

“Tourism is a powerful engine that drives our state’s economy and benefits our communities, small businesses, and hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians across the Commonwealth every day,” said Siger. “The Governor’s investment in one of our state’s most important industries and the launch of this new brand and marketing campaign will give a needed boost to tourism promotion and the industry ahead of the busy summer travel season and for years to come.”

“Pennsylvania’s tourism and hospitality industry is thrilled to see Governor Shapiro’s commitment to tourism, not just in word but in action. His proposed investment in this year’s fiscal year budget will be a game changer for the tourism industry and our members – the nearly 27,000 eating and drinking and 1,700 lodging establishments across Pennsylvania – along with tens of thousands of businesses that benefit from PA’s tourism activity,” said Joe Massaro, president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association.

Following the announcement, Shapiro and the First Family will kick off a week-long RV tour ahead of Memorial Day Weekend, embarking on their own Great American Getaway to promote the new brand and Pennsylvania’s tourism industry all across the Commonwealth.