Submitted Article
From May 7 to 13, the Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau (EMVB) will honor National Travel and Tourism Week, an annual tradition that recognizes the value that travel has on the local economy, small businesses, personal well-being, and beyond.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of National Travel and Tourism Week. The annual theme is #TravelForward, which will highlight how travel drives economic growth and innovation.
“When people visit the Endless Mountains, they stay at our hotels, dine at our restaurants and shop at our retailers,” said Jean Ruhf, executive director of the EMVB. “Visitor spending not only helps our local businesses to thrive, but it also supports jobs in the tourism and hospitality industry.”
According to the most recent study by the Pennsylvania Tourism Office and Tourism Economics, Sullivan, Susquehanna and Wyoming counties generated $412.4 million in total economic impact in 2021. Tourism also supported over 2,700 jobs in the three-county region.
To celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week, EMVB will have regional displays and raffle baskets at the PennDOT welcome centers on Interstate 80 in Delaware Water Gap, Interstate 81 in Great Bend, Interstate 84 in Matamoras and Route 15 in Tioga. All items in the baskets are locally made.
National Travel and Tourism Week is also the perfect time to visit EMVB’s office, where you’ll find over 250 brochures about local attractions, parks, trails, events and more. The office is located at 5405 State Route 6 in Tunkhannock. It is open to the public Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. An outdoor kiosk offers brochures and information 24/7.
The Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau is the designated tourism promotion agency for Sullivan, Susquehanna and Wyoming counties. Since 1962, this non-profit organization has marketed the region through regional, state, and national publications; newspapers; broadcast media; trade shows; online publications and more. To learn more, you can contact EMVB at 570-836-5431, visit endlessmountains.org or follow PA Endless Mountains on Facebook and Instagram.