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The Economic Impact of Tourism and Hospitality

Cumberland County COVID-19 Hospitality Industry Recovery Program

Between Cumberland Valley’s beautiful nature, incredible history and great food and attractions, tourists from all over the country travel to enjoy time here. The positive economic impact of tourism and hospitality in Cumberland Valley benefits our historical and ecological conservation efforts as well as restaurants and hotels. We offer exciting activities and experiences for people of all ages.

Current Travel Industry Trends

Adam Sacks with Tourism Economics recently shared a presentation on Where Does the Travel Industry Go From Here? This dives into traveler sentiment and current data from the lodging industry across the nation. With this in mind, Cumberland County is recovering on pace with the rest of the country and seeing very similar trends at our properties.

While travel confidence has slipped slightly due to new variants, the hotel management industry is holding strong across the country when it comes to occupancy which is at 91% of 2019 and rate holding steady from 2019. Cumberland County properties are seeing this recovery as well, with August 2021 outperforming August 2019 in occupancy, average daily rate and revenue per available room.

Intent to travel also remains high with increasing numbers of Americans indicating they plan to travel in the next 6 months. The biggest issue impacting this industry at a national and local level is labor shortages.

Tourism Fosters Job Growth

Through the tourism industry, small and seasonal businesses thrive. Seasonal visitors who spend their money here create short-term revenue in the tourism and hospitality sector that helps these businesses achieve year-long stability. Without the amount earned through tourist tax revenue, Cumberland Valley residents would pay $441 more in taxes annually. Our stable and diverse economy promotes economic growth that benefits from tourism without relying on it for financial success.

Tourism Helps Conservation Efforts

The luxurious natural landscape surrounding Cumberland Country invites tourists from across the country to experience our regional assets. In addition to outdoor athletic adventures, Cumberland Valley is a driving force in agritourism.  Visitors come through the valley to see our gorgeously preserved farmland and walk through the Appalachian and South Mountain trails. Our innovative tourism efforts maintain these natural landscapes with money gained from natural and agricultural tourism.

Tourism Promotes Galleries and the Performing Arts

With its theaters, galleries and studios, Cumberland Valley has a rich arts scene that draws visitors to the region. Tourism supports the growth of galleries and theaters across the region, preserves local art and nurtures young professional artists. Tourism provides artists and artisans the financial support they need to thrive. At the same time, tourism also helps to establish smaller areas like the Cumberland Valley as artistic strongholds.

Tourism Preserves History

With historic sights from the French and Indian War, Civil War and Revolutionary War, Cumberland Valley is a must-visit attraction for history buffs. Here, you can drink whiskey where the 1794 Whiskey Rebellion took place. You can see where insurrectionists banded together to protest a 25% tax on whiskey that was imposed by Alexander Hamilton in an attempt to recoup money lost in the Revolutionary War. The insurrection would have to be quelled by George Washington himself after things got out of hand.

Aside from the 1794 Whiskey Rebellion, Cumberland Valley is a notable historical attraction due to its brief occupation by the confederacy during the Civil War. With history from three wars and so many other memorable eras leaving their mark, Cumberland Valley has something to teach everybody.

Revitalizing the Cumberland Valley With Tourism

Does tourism help the economy?

Tourism and hospitality have the power to enrich the lives of Cumberland Valley residents by preserving and revitalizing the unique nature, agriculture, art, and history of the region. Through this cultural exchange, our local community is economically strengthened with job and industry growth that supports us year-long.

Click here to see recent statistics from the US Travel Association on the economic impact of tourism to the state and to Cumberland County.

Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation (CAEDC) is committed to providing small businesses with potential funding and resources to further regional tourism growth. To learn more about our programs, contact us today.

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