Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency announces $191,000 in Tourism Investments

Washington County Pennsylvania, which is home to some of the country’s finest historical and cultural attractions, continues to lead the southwestern Pennsylvania region in both economic and tourism growth.  To support this growth and leverage tourism’s impact on economic development, the Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency (WCTPA) announced $191,000 in new tourism investments today.

The grants will be awarded to public and private organizations for capital and marketing projects in the 2022 tourism season.  Historical and entertainment organizations such as the Bradford House Historical Association, Washington Symphony Orchestra, Washington Wild Things and McDonald Volunteer Fire Department will be receiving grants to promote their events.  The agency will also invest in capital projects with the Burgettstown Area Community Development Corporation, Little Lake Theatre Company, Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village, Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, and Washington County Historical Society.  

Diana Irey Vaughan, Chair of the Washington County Board of Commissioners, commented on the importance of tourism as a major economic driver in the county.  “Washington County’s economy is not only being driven by energy, education and advanced manufacturing, but by a strong tourism industry.  In fact, tourism continues to be one of the largest industries in the county with well over $700 million in direct visitor spending and supporting nearly 6,000 jobs according to the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development.  These new investments in our tourism assets and attractions will support additional economic growth and increase our quality of life-attracting more leisure and business visitors,” Irey Vaughan stated.

Jeff Kotula, President of the WCTPA further relayed that Washington County is a leader in business and leisure travel in the Greater Pittsburgh Region and the investments by the agency will continue that standing.  “Washington County ranks second-behind Allegheny County-in our area for tourism and we are making these funds available to strengthen that position as well as invest in long-term tourism development,” Kotula stated.