Five Pennsylvania lawmakers said on Apr. 6 that the recently released Pennsylvania Travel Guide contains very few references to the state’s northwest region and includes a notable error about the location of the state Capitol building.
The issue matters because tourism guides can influence where visitors choose to spend their time and money, potentially affecting local economies in underrepresented areas.
According to Rep. Mike Armanini, who represents Elk and Clearfield counties, he noticed that the 128-page guide only mentions northwest Pennsylvania about half a dozen times. The guide also incorrectly labeled a photo of the Capitol in Harrisburg as being located in Philadelphia. Armanini brought his concerns to fellow legislators—Reps. Martin Causer, Dallas Kephart, Kathy Rapp, and Brian Smith—and together they wrote a letter to Anne Ryan, deputy secretary of the Office of Tourism, requesting a meeting about what they see as limited attention given to attractions north of Interstate 80.
“Our region is full of great activities all year long,” Armanini said. “Every weekend, I’m enjoying local festivals, elk migration, restaurants, festivals, distilleries and wineries, and other activities. I find it hard to fathom how the Department of Community and Economic Development could give so little attention to a region that has so much to offer.”
The House Tourism, Recreation and Economic Development Committee held meetings with tourism officials in northwest Pennsylvania during both spring and fall sessions last year.
In their letter addressed to Ryan, the representatives warned that low visibility for their region could negatively impact businesses and reduce tourism revenue. “The signatories on this letter are immensely proud of the Pennsylvania Wilds, and we want more people to experience what we have the privilege to see and do every day,” Armanini said.
