Pocono News Section

Pocono Tourism Funding May Drop 40%

Pocono Tourism Funding May Drop 40% - Wednesday, February 4, 2009 at 4:37PM EST

STROUDSBURG, MONROE COUNTY- The governor's proposed budget would slash funding for an important industry in the Poconos, tourism. Monroe, Pike, Wayne and Carbon counties depend heavily on tourism. Pennsylvania's proposed budget could push the Pocono tourism industry the way of the area's many ski slopes - downhill.
Ski slopes and water parks - don't just attract weekend warriors. They bring in workers and wages. Carl Wilgus of the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau said, "It generates more than a billion dollars in economic impact, it's responsible for some 7,000 plus jobs."

Wilgus told us Governor Rendell's proposed budget will slash tourism marketing expenses. The proposal cuts tourism funding by about 40%. The Visitors Bureau uses some of that money to publish flyers. It might not seem like a very big deal, but Wilgus tells us it's extremely important. "It encourages people to consider Pennsylvania over Virginia - over Maryland for a vacation," he said.

If the budget passes, the bureau will cut back on television and print advertising and likely focus more on targeted internet advertising. "You figure out how to do your job - do it better with less resources," added Wilgus.

While Wilgus was disappointed the bureau would have to tighten its belt, he's glad there's still a belt to tighten. The governor's plan cut some programs completely.

In addition to tourism money, Monroe County officials are worried about cuts in funding for education, children and youth, the county nursing home and mental health programs.