The Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau (ANFVB) announced this week that, according to the 2023 report from the Pennsylvania Office of Tourism, tourism is a $183.9 million industry in McKean County.

The power of travel helps to fuel McKean County’s economy, strengthens its communities and connects the region with visitors across the country and around the world. Tourism impacts economic growth, creates jobs and enhances the quality of life for the nearly 40,000 residents of McKean County, bureau representatives said.

The latest figure from the state indicates an increase of $11.3 million from the previous year.

The largest portion of revenue comes from transportation, food and beverage and recreation related expenditures. More than 1,200 jobs are supported by visitor spending in McKean County, generating $39.3 million in labor income.

Visitor spending generated $8.6 million for state and local taxes and visitor spending has exceeded pre-COVID Visitors… page A-10

A boy visiting the Eldred World War II Museum offers his passport for stamping from Museum Director Liz Threehouse.

ANFVB-Trail Central revenue. Visitor spending in McKean County ranks fifth highest above Clinton and slightly behind Warren County in the Pennsylvania Wilds Region’s 13 counties.

Trail Central is the destination marketing organization for McKean County sharing compelling collective stories, increasing its visibility and creating awareness to influence visitors and inspire residents to the region.

Through outdoor adventures in the Allegheny National Forest and on McKean County’s 600 miles of trails, and with highlights like Kinzua Bridge State Park — TripAdvisor’s No. 1 State Park in Pennsylvania and one of the Top 10 Skywalks in the world — McKean County stands out as a true destination. Paired with the rich history and heritage of the Museum Trail, and iconic brands like Zippo lighters and Case knives, it’s a place where innovation and Pennsylvania’s natural beauty come together to create an unforgettable experience.

“It’s the powerful connection between the visitors and the communities that make tourism essential to McKean County’s economy and resident life,” said Rustin Lippincott, executive director of Trail Central. “It is our responsibility to keep our proverbial finger on the tourism pulse, implement strategies that focus on location, activity and our brand, showcase the people and experiences that drive the region to be a welcoming place for visitors and enhance the quality of life for residents.”

Trail Central is fueled by the 6% Pennsylvania hotel occupancy tax assessed on all hotels, motels and short-term rentals within McKean County, led by distinctive accommodations such as The Lodge at Glendorn in Bradford, Kane Manor Inn, Lynn Hall in Port Allegany and Olmstead Manor in Ludlow, as well as Best Western Plus, Holiday Inn Express and Quality Inn, all in Bradford.

McKean County has seen an increase in shortterm rentals with more than 50 places available through Airbnb and other sites. In conjunction with National Travel & Tourism Week, Trail Central unveiled the McKean County Museum Trail showcasing seven museums, each dedicated to preserving the rich history and offering a fascinating glimpse into the county’s heritage. The Museum Trail includes Zippo-Case Museum, Marilyn Horne Museum & Exhibit Center, Eldred WWII Museum, Penn Brad Oil Museum, Kinzua Bridge State Park & Skywalk, McKean County Historical Society & Old Jail Museum and the Historic Kane Depot & McCleery Discovery Center.

To commemorate the McKean County Museum Trail’s journey through time, Trail Central developed a Passport that invites visitors to explore all the museums, immerse themselves in the exhibits, listen to the stories and collect a stamp in their Passport. Completed passports can be taken to Trail Central’s headquarters, 80 E. Corydon St., and receive a prize from the vault. The Passport can be viewed at https://visitanf.com/ mckean-county-museum- trailpassport/. Announced during Travel & Tourism Week in 2024, the bureau’s Marketing & Event Grant Program has supported 25 organizations and events totaling more than $40,000. This new grant program, open to any business and organization in McKean County, assists organizations to strengthen their tourism products, increase marketing, promotions and advertising of tourism- related businesses and enhance the quality of events. The fall grant program will open in June for events occurring July through December 2025.

For more information on Trail Central programming and tourism economic impact data, contact the Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau at (800) 473-9370 or visit PATrailCentral. com.