Ciresi and Comitta introduce companion legislation to grow PA tourism
Southeast Delegation September 10, 2025 | 12:33 PM
HARRISBURG, Sept. 10 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, and Sen. Carolyn Comitta, D-Chester, this week introduced companion legislation, H.B. 1852 and S.B. 994, which would increase support for the Tourism Promotion Fund to promote and market Pennsylvania’s desirability as a vacation location to out-of-state tourists.
A long-time supporter of legislative initiatives to increase Pennsylvania’s visibility as a tourist destination, Ciresi said, “Investing in our tourism industry is a win-win for Pennsylvania. As one of our largest industries, tourism drives economies both big and small, creating family-supporting jobs throughout the state. The money from our tourism industry also goes back into the economy, supporting our festivals, performances, cultural events, and cultural and historical sites -- in addition to our restaurants, our hotels and more. When Pennsylvania’s tourism thrives, so does every aspect of life in the commonwealth, from corner to corner.
“As Pennsylvania is at the center of America250's celebrations, we should seize the moment to expand our tourism efforts and maximize on the economic opportunities it will offer the commonwealth.”
The Pennsylvania Tourism Office released a report last year showing that Pennsylvania welcomed 192.4 million visitors in 2022, generating $76.7 billion in economic impact, supporting 486,871 jobs, and contributing $4.7 billion in state and local taxes.
“By expanding our support for marketing Pennsylvania as a destination while also investing in our historical, cultural, and artistic attractions and institutions, we can use this potential to draw tourists, grow our economy and create jobs,” Ciresi said.
The legislation would redirect state Hotel Occupancy Tax revenue collected by booking agents on behalf of unlicensed hotels (such as Airbnbs and other homestays) from the General Fund to the Tourism Promotion Fund, which already receives money from booking agent accommodation fees.
Revenue collected would be allocated to the Department of Community and Economic Development to promote and market Pennsylvania to out-of-state visitors, and to the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission and Pennsylvania Council on the Arts to expand state grant programs that support the historical, cultural and artistic attractions tourists come to see.
“Increasing Pennsylvania’s tourism outreach is about more than just attracting visitors – it will help uplift our local economy, support our small businesses, and showcase the unique character of communities across the commonwealth,” Comitta said. “With our legislation, we will be able to expand our tourism efforts, help create good-paying jobs, and show people across the nation that Pennsylvania’s attractions and destinations plus our arts and cultural sites have something for everyone to enjoy.”