GREENSBURG, PA., (Dec. 10, 2021) – Forty-four Westmoreland County tourism-related businesses and organizations were awarded a combined total of $574,700 during a presentation today at The Palace Theatre. Fifty-three applications were submitted for this year’s program.

The annual Westmoreland County Tourism Grant Program is funded by revenues generated by the Westmoreland County Hotel Room Tax. Awards are granted annually on the basis of merit as determined by the Grant Review Committee and administered by the Westmoreland County Commissioners and GO Laurel Highlands, the county’s official destination marketing organization. Since the program’s inception, more than $6.4 million has been awarded in tourism grants. A complete list of grant recipients and their projects can be viewed online at www.golaurelhighlands.com/grants.

“The beauty of Westmoreland County is its diversity of tourism products for visitors,” said Ann Nemanic, Executive Director, GO Laurel Highlands. “Historical and cultural attractions are abundant. The park systems, hiking trails, and Laurel Mountain provide tremendous outdoor recreational experiences. The County has numerous eateries and independently owned shops to satisfy all tastes. There is a high concentration of craft beverage makers that continues to grow. The reinvestment back into the tourism community will continue to strengthen the offerings for visitors and the economic impact is critical for the overall success of the Laurel Highlands region.” 

The Westmoreland County Tourism Grant Review Committee was comprised of Westmoreland County residents Carol Wentzel and Larry Schultz; Tom Guiher, Log Cabin Lodge and Suites; Mary Lou Hugus, retired Hempfield Area School District teacher; and Ann Nemanic, Executive Director, GO LH.

About Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands
A magnificent mountainous region, the Laurel Highlands spans 3,000 square miles in southwestern Pennsylvania. Located an hour’s drive 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 in Ohiopyle State Park, and more.

Located within 200 miles of the major metropolitan areas of Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Cleveland, and Washington D.C., Pennsylvania’s 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.GoLaurelHighlands.com, calling 724.238.5661, www.facebook.com/laurelhighlandsPA and www.twitter.com/laurelhighlands. Established in 1958, GO Laurel Highlands, formerly known as Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau, is the official destination marketing organization for Fayette, Somerset, and Westmoreland counties in southwestern Pennsylvania.

 

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