National Travel and Tourism Week
This National Travel & Tourism Week, we’re celebrating what we’ve always known: travel is essential. In the Laurel Highlands, travel is more than a visit, it’s a lifeline for our communities, a driver of economic strength, and a gateway to unforgettable experiences. From our mountain towns and historic landmarks to world-class outdoor recreation and local hospitality, every visitor helps write the next chapter of our region’s story.
Visitor Profile & Economic Data
Visitor Spending
Tourism generated $2.2 billion in the region in 2024, supporting more than 23,000 jobs across Fayette, Somerset, and Westmoreland counties. Every overnight stay, every meal, and every adventure fuels local businesses and sustains the economy from family-owned restaurants to outfitters and attractions.
It also helps ease the burden on residents, generating more than $400 million in federal, state, and local tax revenue that supports communities without relying solely on local taxpayers.
Top Cities of Origin
In 2025, visitors to the Laurel Highlands came from top drive markets like Pittsburgh, Washington, D.C./Hagerstown, Johnstown-Altoona, Philadelphia, New York City, Harrisburg-Lancaster-York, Baltimore, Cleveland, Columbus, and Youngstown. With its convenient location and easy access from major cities across Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, New York, and beyond, the Laurel Highlands continues to be a favorite getaway for travelers looking for a scenic escape that’s just a short drive away.
Jobs in the Laurel Highlands
In 2024, tourism supported 23,280 jobs in the Laurel Highlands, accounting for 12.2% of all employment in the region. From hotels and restaurants to attractions, retail, and outdoor recreation, visitor spending helps sustain local businesses and creates meaningful career opportunities throughout the Laurel Highlands.
Taxes
In 2024, the Laurel Highlands tourism industry generated $222.7 million in federal taxes and $205.5 million in state and local taxes, showcasing the powerful impact visitor spending has on our region. Tourism helps fund essential public services, supports infrastructure, and strengthens local communities, proving that travel is an important driver of economic growth for the Laurel Highlands.
What Tourism Means to Laurel Highlands Businesses
Brett Cook, Seven Springs, Hidden Valley, Laurel Mountain Resorts
“At Seven Springs, families come back year after year to make memories in every season—from snowy winter days to summer adventures in the mountains. Those experiences support our team, strengthen our community, and create traditions that last for generations.”
Corie Eckman, Laurel Caverns State Park
“Tourism at Laurel Caverns turns exploration into impact—revealing Pennsylvania’s first cave in a state park while supporting local jobs, businesses, and the regional economy that makes every visit possible. It creates a space to educate visitors about a rare cave system right here in Pennsylvania, our state’s first cave in a state park, giving them something tangible to take home about the geology in their own backyard. It also shifts perspectives, showing travelers that what they often imagine in far-off places exists here, and helping connect destinations across the region in a way that supports us all.”
Donna Gibson, Flight 93 National Memorial
“Tourism plays a vital role at Flight 93 National Memorial by ensuring generations can engage with the powerful story of courage, sacrifice, and resilience that unfolded here. Because the memorial is located off the beaten path, intentional promotion is essential to expanding visitation—especially as we approach the 25-year observance of the events of 9/11/200. Connecting new generations to this sacred place is more important than ever. Visitation to Flight 93 National Memorial also supports our local gateway communities. Travelers look for lodging, food, gas and other amenities while traveling. We are proud to be able to support our local economies.”
Julie Donovan, Fort Ligonier
“Tourism keeps our history alive, funds restoration and ensures future generations can walk these same paths. Tourism isn’t just travel—it’s an act of preservation and vital for a historic site like Fort Ligonier.”
