This National Travel & Tourism Week, we’re celebrating what we’ve at all times recognized: journey is crucial. In the Laurel Highlands, journey is greater than a go to, it’s a lifeline for our communities, a driver of financial energy, and a gateway to unforgettable experiences. From our mountain cities and historic landmarks to world-class out of doors recreation and native hospitality, each customer helps write the subsequent chapter of our area’s story.
Visitor Spending
Tourism generated $2.2 billion within the area in 2024, supporting greater than 23,000 jobs throughout Fayette, Somerset, and Westmoreland counties. Every in a single day keep, each meal, and each journey fuels native companies and sustains the financial system from family-owned eating places to outfitters and points of interest.
It additionally helps ease the burden on residents, producing greater than $400 million in federal, state, and native tax income that helps communities with out relying solely on native taxpayers.
Top Cities of Origin
In 2025, guests to the Laurel Highlands got here from prime drive markets like Pittsburgh, Washington, D.C./Hagerstown, Johnstown-Altoona, Philadelphia, New York City, Harrisburg-Lancaster-York, Baltimore, Cleveland, Columbus, and Youngstown. With its handy location and quick access from main cities throughout Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, New York, and past, the Laurel Highlands continues to be a favourite getaway for vacationers on the lookout for a scenic escape that’s only a brief drive away.
Jobs within the Laurel Highlands
In 2024, tourism supported 23,280 jobs within the Laurel Highlands, accounting for 12.2% of all employment within the area. From accommodations and eating places to points of interest, retail, and out of doors recreation, customer spending helps maintain native companies and creates significant profession alternatives all through the Laurel Highlands.
Taxes
In 2024, the Laurel Highlands tourism trade generated $222.7 million in federal taxes and $205.5 million in state and native taxes, showcasing the highly effective influence customer spending has on our area. Tourism helps fund important public companies, helps infrastructure, and strengthens native communities, proving that journey is a vital driver of financial progress 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.”