The Poconos’ tourism industry has always been a huge contributor to the economy, there are around 30 million tourists that visit the Poconos every year, and it continues to grow. According to the Stroudsburg University 2023 Economic Scorecard, visitor spending rose 35 percent in the Pocono Mountains region in 2022. The hospitality and tourism industry of Poconos generates $4.3 billion in revenue and supports a total of 35,818 jobs. The Poconos also saw remarkable growth post-pandemic!
Take a step to explore the gorgeous Pocono mountains and see for yourself why this region is booming with tourists!
Impact of Tourism on Local Businesses
37% of the workers working in Poconos are either directly or indirectly associated with the tourism industry. Poconos’ economy is dependent on tourism. During the pandemic, the hospitality industry took a big hit, hotels were dealing with occupied rooms in the single digits. But Poconos made a very quick and remarkable recovery.
The tourism industry has contributed to Poconos’ local economy greatly, by creating revenue and providing employment.
Hospitality Industry:
Due to the huge market for outdoor activities, Poconos attracts a large number of visitors. The proximity in distance is also an advantage, Poconos is not very far from New York City and Philadelphia,which opens up the place to city folk looking for a short vacation!
Restaurants and Culinary Experiences:
According to the PMVB about 64% of the labor income in the Poconos is derived from tourism and hospitality. The restaurant industry took a huge hit during the pandemic. In 2018, pre pandemic a total of $737M dollars was the visitor spending on food and beverage, and by 2021 it increased to $8.3 billion. The tourist industry has been the backbone of the restaurant business in Poconos. Poconos is known for its local Pocono brewery companies, which is a local attraction that boosts visitor spending in the region.
Retail and Shopping:
Poconos counties have many retail and shopping outlets which offer local specialties, antique items and culturally unique trinkets for visitors. It was estimated that the income generated from retail and shopping amounts to more than $512 million every year.
Tours and Adventure:
Visitors of Poconos will find many options for outdoor adventure and fun. The Poconos is known for its gorgeous outdoors, from mountainous terrains, lakes, rivers and waterfalls, you will find some of the most spectacular views! According to the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, tourists spent more than $570 million on outdoor recreational activities in 2020. The tours and adventure businesses of Poconos have played a huge role in the development of the tourist industry.
Experience Cultural and Artisan Experiences
Tourism has not only boosted the economy but also increased the visibility of local artists. Poconos has a lot of cultural and art attractions. Towns like Jim Thorpe have tons of historical attractions and cultural significance.
Here are some of the unmissable cultural attractions in Poconos you must visit!
The Artisan Exchange:
The artisan exchange is a family run gift gallery that represents more than 275 American artists, It is a unique and one-of-a-kind gallery, located in Milford. The gallery specializes in items you cannot find anywhere else! There are two floors in this gallery which feature fine arts from all the states across America.
Frank Frazetta Museum:
The Frank Frazetta museum is packed with some truly amazing pieces painted by Frank Frazetta himself. The Frank Frazetta Art Museum in Pennsylvania is the only one in the world home to the most number of originals. The museum is definitely a must visit, you will find gorgeous high quality prints of the paintings at the gift shop.
Pocono Indian Museum
Discover and learn about the native American history rooted in the Poconos at the Pocono Indian Museum. The museum showcases the Delaware Indians’ peaceful coexistence with other Indians. The museum has various ancient artifacts, weapons and tools on display. A visit to this museum will be informative and interesting. The overall experience of it is bone-chilling and super unique.
Pocono Auction Gallery
Poconos is also famous for its Pocono Auction Gallery, which is the oldest auction gallery in the Poconos and makes for a unique and interesting visit!
Benefits of Incorporating a Tourism Business in Poconos
- The Poconos tourism industry is very profitable, with over 30 million visitors that visit Poconos each year.
- The tourism industry of Poconos has positively impacted almost every other industry in the region.
- Tourism provides over $3 billion to the local economy of the Poconos
- Visitation in the Poconos has had a steady and rapid increase every year.
Wrap Up
The Poconos’ tourism industry is a very vast and profitable industry, and the impact it has had on the local economy is undeniable. The Poconos is a region whose economy relies on tourism for the most part.
The Poconos can be a very beneficial place for new businesses, especially for hospitality related businesses.
Visit the Poconos and see the booming tourist region for yourself! HolidayKeepers can assist you with the process.
We offer various properties in Poconos, ranging from villas, mansions and cabins. Choose what feels best for you.
So, what are you waiting for? Begin planning your trip to the Poconos. Contact HolidayKeepers for a seamless and hassle-free booking process!
FAQs
Q: Where is the Poconos located?
A: The Poconos is located in Northeastern Pennsylvania
Q: What kind of businesses are successful in Poconos?
A: Poconos relies heavily on tourism, so hospitality and tourism related businesses are very successful in the region
Paul P, Senior Editor and Travel Planner at HolidayKeepers, brings over 10 years of experience from New York. He expertly combines storytelling with extensive knowledge in travel and hospitality. Known for turning vibrant travel experiences into engaging articles, Paul covers everything from hidden gems to the latest in vacation rentals, resonating with adventurers and leisure-seekers alike.
