GREENSBURG, PA., (Jan. 17, 2020) – Forty-two Westmoreland County tourism-related businesses and organizations were awarded a combined total of $368,042 during a presentation today at The Palace Theatre. Sixty-six applications were submitted for this year’s program.

The Annual Tourism Grant Program is funded by one-third of the revenues generated by the Westmoreland County Hotel Room Tax, a three percent tax that became effective in 2003. Awards are granted annually on the basis of merit as determined by the Grant Review Committee and administered by the Westmoreland County Commissioners and the Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau (LHVB). Since the program’s inception, more than $5.8 million has been awarded in tourism grants. A complete list of grant recipients and their projects can be viewed online at laurelhighlands.org/grants.

“The Laurel Highlands continues to see a growth in tourism,” said Ann Nemanic, Executive Director, Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau. “We feel strongly the opportunity provided by the Westmoreland Tourism Grant Program to reinvest back into our tourism community is critically important. Tourism entities are able to extend and expand their marketing efforts through these grants, and this year, several key capital grants were awarded. We know visitors have choices, so being able to support and strengthen our tourism product provides true economic impact and growth for Westmoreland County.”

The Westmoreland County Tourism Grant Review Committee was comprised of Westmoreland County resident Carol Wentzel; Michael Simons, SpringHill Suites by Marriott Pittsburgh-Latrobe; Mary Lou Hugus, retired Hempfield Area School District teacher; Bob Boscarino, Vice President, Somerset Trust Company; and Ann Nemanic, Executive Director, LHVB.

About Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands
A magnificent mountainous region, the Laurel Highlands spans 3,000 square miles in southwestern Pennsylvania. Located an hour east of Pittsburgh, the beautiful four-season destination offers spectacular natural scenery, outstanding outdoor recreation, historic sites and attractions, family activities and world-class resorts. Notable destinations within the region include four architectural masterpieces by Frank Lloyd Wright – Fallingwater®, Kentuck Knob, Mäntylä and Duncan House – Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Flight 93 National Memorial, Idlewild and Soak Zone, whitewater rafting at Ohiopyle State Park and more.

Located within 200 miles of the major metropolitan areas of Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Cleveland and Washington D.C., the Laurel Highlands can be easily accessed from exits 67, 75, 91 and 110 of the Pennsylvania Turnpike.

Visitors to the Laurel Highlands can find information online at www.LaurelHighlands.org, calling 724.238.5661, www.facebook.com/laurelhighlandsPA and www.twitter.com/laurelhighlands. Established in 1958, the Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau is the official destination marketing organization for Fayette, Somerset and Westmoreland counties in southwestern Pennsylvania.

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