<\/p>\n
Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger this week announced a nearly $5 million investment in 15 sporting events across Pennsylvania through DCED\u2019s Sports Marketing and Tourism Program.<\/p>\n
These grants are helping attract more visitors to Pennsylvania and supporting major events like the 2026 Major League Baseball All Star Game and 2026 FIFA World Cup, both in Philadelphia, and the 2026 PGA Championship in Newtown Square.<\/p>\n
The grants also support other exciting and impactful events like the 2026 State Games of America in State College, the 2026 USCAA Small College Baseball and Softball World Series in Dubois, and 2026 Banana Ball World Tour, hosted by the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs in Allentown.<\/p>\n
The Sports Marketing and Tourism Program was created to attract high-quality, amateur, and professional sporting and e-sports events to Pennsylvania. The program capitalizes on the influx of tourism that comes with hosting a major national or international event, which can increase sales for both large and small businesses in the surrounding area and in turn boost the regional economy.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis year, Pennsylvania is hosting a wide variety of exciting sporting events all across the state \u2014 events that will bring millions of visitors, generate significant economic impact, and support jobs and businesses across the Commonwealth,\u201d Siger said. \u201cWe\u2019re ready to welcome fans from around the globe and ensure their experience keeps them coming back again and again. From top-tier sports and major events to award-winning restaurants, world-class outdoor recreation, and the historic sites that tell America\u2019s story, Pennsylvania offers visitors more ways to explore, spend, and stay longer. That\u2019s what makes us the Great American Getaway, and we look forward to showcasing everything our Commonwealth has to offer.\u201d<\/p>\n
In 2024, Pennsylvania\u2019s tourism industry generated $83.9 billion in economic impact, supported 514,261 jobs, contributed $5 billion in state and local taxes, and welcomed 201.6 million visitors.<\/p>\n
The Shapiro Administration has prioritized positioning Pennsylvania as a premier national destination for visitors. We\u2019ve had significant investments in tourism marketing, supporting:<\/p>\n
\u2022 The rebranding of Pennsylvania\u2019s tourism brand Great American Getaway<\/p>\n
\u2022 $50 million to ensure Pennsylvania is ready to welcome millions for major 2026 events including for America250 events, FIFA World Cup matches, March Madness, the MLB All-Star Game, the PGA Championship, and the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Strengthened Pennsylvania\u2019s position as a sports tourism destination through a $5 million investment to support major athletic events that drive significant visitor spending and boosting hotel occupancy in host communities.<\/p>\n
Gov. Josh Shapiro\u2019s approach treats tourism not as a seasonal industry, but as a long-term economic development strategy, one that creates opportunity in urban, suburban, and rural communities alike while showcasing Pennsylvania as a premier place to visit, live, and do business.<\/p>\n
Pine Creek Rail Trail selected as Pennsylvania\u2019s 2026 Trail of the Year<\/p>\n
The Pine Creek Rail Trail, a 62-mile scenic journey through the Appalachian Mountains in Lycoming and Tioga counties, has been named Pennsylvania\u2019s 2026 Trail of the Year by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR).<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are proud to name the Pine Creek Rail Trail as Pennsylvania\u2019s 2026 Trail of the Year and to honor the rich history, culture, and recreational opportunities that make this trail a destination for visitors from around the world,\u201d said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. \u201cThis designation will raise awareness about the wealth of outdoor experiences in the Pennsylvania Wilds \u2014 including the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon and the recently improved visitor center at Leonard Harrison State Park \u2014 while strengthening support for local businesses and generating lasting economic, environmental, and social benefits for the region.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Pine Creek Rail Trail (PCRT) traces a historic corridor first used by the Iroquois Nation and later developed as a railroad in the late 19th century. After rail service ended in 1988, the corridor was transformed into a 62-mile non-motorized trail completed between 1995 and 2007, stretching from Jersey Shore to Wellsboro Junction.<\/p>\n
Today, the nationally recognized trail attracts more than 44,000 users annually and generates more than $5 million in local economic impact. It serves as a major recreational and tourism asset within the Pennsylvania Wilds, Route 6 Heritage Corridor, and the Lumber Heritage Region.<\/p>\n
PFBC begins annual trout stocking operations ahead of spring fishing season<\/p>\n
If you love trout fishing, there was a sure sign of spring this week, as annual trout stocking operations got underway ahead of Pennsylvania\u2019s spring trout season.<\/p>\n
Opossum Lake in Cumberland County received the first stocking of the year, which included cutting a hole into the ice with a chainsaw.<\/p>\n
This year, the Fish and Boat Commission, with the help of volunteers, will stock 3.2 million trout into 684 streams and 130 lakes. Trout stocking occurs in all 67 counties.<\/p>\n
The most common species being stocked is Rainbow Trout, but anglers will also have the chance to catch Brown Trout, Brook Trout, and golden Rainbow Trout.<\/p>\n
All waters managed as Stocked Trout Waters are now closed until 8 a.m. on the Opening Day of Trout Season on Saturday, April 4, with the exception of Mentored Youth Trout Day on Saturday, March 28th.<\/p>\n