HARRISBURG, Pa. - Tourism is a huge part of Pennsylvania's economy, and official in York County say more money is needed to grow the industry on a local level. Senator Scott Wagner, York County Convention & Visitors Bureau President Anne Druck joined other state and local officials to testify in support of House Bill 794. The bill would require proceeds from hotel room tax to go tourism. Officials believe they are working with an unfair advantage.
"It has been 14 years since York County’s room tax has been increased while four of our neighboring counties are enjoying the proceeds of a tax that is greater than ours and investing those funds to grow their tourism industry," Druck said.
Officials say that tourism in York County generates $907 million annually. They credit most of those profits to the York County Expo Center which brings in national sporting events like wrestling tournaments. Officials say they don't always have the money to bring in events that could put the county on the map.
"Four sports events we were unable to host in York County alone due to inequitable tourism funding would have brought over 5.6 million dollars in economic impact to the commonwealth," Druck said.
According to officials, York County has lost the opportunity to invest $3 million in the tourism industry without the law.