AGP Executive Report

Heritage Tourism: Pennsylvania’s historic sites are in the spotlight, from Independence Hall and Gettysburg to West Chester’s 18th-century Dower House, recently restored while retaining its historic character. Fall Outdoors: Pine Creek Rail Trail was named Pennsylvania’s 2026 Trail of the Year, while the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail marks its 50th anniversary. Getting Around: Amtrak’s second daily Pennsylvanian train between Pittsburgh and New York is set to begin Nov. 18, adding travel options for visitors. Tourism Promotion: Visit PA is using the Eagles’ London game to showcase the state to international audiences, while Washington County’s tourism agency points to $804 million in visitor spending.

Fall City Escapes: Morgan’s Pier Fall Fest brings seasonal food, pumpkins and family activities to Philadelphia’s waterfront. Small-Town Tourism: Wellsboro business owners told Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia President Anna Paulson that tourism is vital to local shops in a borough of about 3,500 people. Visitor Spending: Washington County’s tourism agency says visitors generated $804 million in local spending. Getting Around: Amtrak’s second daily Pennsylvanian train between Pittsburgh and New York starts Nov. 18, with tickets on sale. Fall Outdoors: A Western Pennsylvania destination was named among the best for fall foliage, and DCNR named Pine Creek Rail Trail Pennsylvania’s 2026 Trail of the Year. Laurel Highlands Tourism is the new name for GO Laurel Highlands, as the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail marks its 50th anniversary.

Outdoor Access: Sligo’s long-awaited $1.4 million footbridge has arrived, restoring a pedestrian link over Licking Creek between the borough, its elementary school and the pool park. Fall Adventures: October brings prime time for foliage, hiking, mountain biking, camping and fishing across Pennsylvania; the Pine Creek Rail Trail was also named the state’s 2026 Trail of the Year. Getting Around: Amtrak’s second daily Pennsylvanian train between Pittsburgh and New York is set to begin Nov. 18, giving travelers another rail option. Tourism Economy: Pennsylvania tourism contributed more than $87 billion to the state economy and supported over 521,000 jobs in 2025. Washington County alone reported $804 million in visitor spending. Seasonal Stops: Clarion’s 73rd Annual Autumn Leaf Festival is bringing rides, new foods and keepsakes, while Laurel Highlands Tourism has unveiled a new name for the region’s tourism agency.

Visitor Welcome: Scranton has completed a $2.2 million streetscape upgrade on Lackawanna Avenue, improving sidewalks, bus access and the historic gateway between two downtown hotels. Fall Getaways: A Western Pennsylvania destination has been named among the best for fall foliage, while the 73rd Autumn Leaf Festival brings rides, new foods and keepsakes to Clarion. Rail Travel: Amtrak’s second daily Pennsylvanian train between Pittsburgh and New York is set to begin Nov. 18, adding another travel option. Outdoor Tourism: DCNR named the Pine Creek Rail Trail Pennsylvania’s 2026 Trail of the Year, and Cook Forest’s preservation effort marks its centennial. Tourism Economy: Pennsylvania’s visitor industry generated more than $87 billion and supported over 521,000 jobs in 2025; Washington County alone reported $804 million in visitor spending. Seasonal Fun: Strasburg Rail Road is offering Halloween-themed rides through Oct. 31, including mystery excursions through Pennsylvania Dutch Country.

Fall Foliage: The Laurel Highlands placed sixth nationally for fall colors, its seventh straight year in the top 10. Peak color is expected around mid-October, with trails, biking routes and festivals offering ways to take in the scenery. Tourism Economy: Washington County reported $804.5 million in visitor spending in 2025, up more than 5% from the year before. Statewide, tourism contributed more than $87 billion to Pennsylvania’s economy and supported over 521,000 jobs. Rail Travel: A second daily Amtrak Pennsylvanian train between Pittsburgh and New York is set to begin Nov. 18, giving travelers another option for cross-state trips. Outdoor Heritage: Pine Creek Rail Trail was named Pennsylvania’s 2026 Trail of the Year, while Cook Forest marks 100 years since efforts began to protect its old-growth trees.

Amtrak Rail Boost: Amtrak will add a second daily Pennsylvanian Pittsburgh–New York route starting Nov. 18, with tickets now on sale, giving travelers more flexibility on the Lancaster-to-Pittsburgh corridor. Tourism Dollars: Washington County’s tourism agency says visitor spending hit a record $804.5M last year, with the county ranking fourth in Western PA. Road Work for Travelers: PennDOT scheduled paving and shoulder work on eastbound U.S. 422 (Oct. 8, right-lane closure) as part of an $83.6M expressway and bridge project. Fall Safety: AAA is urging drivers to watch for deer during peak season, citing higher collision risk at dawn/dusk and rising insurance costs. Family-Friendly Local Events: Pittsburgh’s Steelers partnered with Project Bundle-Up to help kids shop for winter gear, and Erie’s Bicentennial Tower lights will be turned off Oct. 6 to protect migrating birds. Health Watch: Measles continues to spread, with New York declaring a disaster emergency as Pennsylvania’s outbreak grows.

Measles Alert for Travelers: Pennsylvania’s measles outbreak has topped 975 cases with five deaths, and officials are warning of possible exposure inside Philadelphia International Airport—while New York declared a statewide emergency as cases climb, raising new questions for pregnancy care and public outings. Tourism Branding Update: GO Laurel Highlands has rebranded as Laurel Highlands Tourism, rolling out a new name, logo, and LaurelHighlandsPA.com to boost regional travel visibility. Transit & Travel Convenience: U.S. Customs and Border Protection ended its routine passport-stamp practice, aiming to speed processing—though travelers can still request stamps. Group Travel Trend: A new ManTripping report finds men’s trips are rising, with adventure and fishing leading requests, but only 6% of destinations have a dedicated strategy. Community & Family Events: CHOP Out Hunger will host its “Feeding the Future” fundraiser Oct. 14 in Glenburn. Local Food Expansion: Pizzeria Luca is bringing its Lancaster County concept to West Palm Beach, Florida, opening in early January.

Tourism Branding: GO Laurel Highlands is rebranding as Laurel Highlands Tourism, unveiling a new logo (“Laurel Highlands Pennsylvania”) and launching LaurelHighlandsPA.com. Outdoor & Trails: Pine Creek Rail Trail in the Pennsylvania Wilds was named Pennsylvania’s 2026 Trail of the Year by DCNR, highlighting its 65-mile scenic corridor and major local economic impact. Public Health: Pennsylvania has topped 1,000 measles cases this year (1,004 across 39 counties), with 198 hospitalizations and five deaths reported—Lancaster County remains the outbreak epicenter. Travel Alerts (Roads): The PA Turnpike is warning of possible delays on the Northeast Extension near Hawk Falls Bridge on Oct. 7 due to controlled operations; plus overnight Lawn Service Plaza closures for asphalt resurfacing. Community & Culture: A new story map celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail, spotlighting history and milestones for hikers and visitors.

Tourism & Lodging: Historic Hotels of America named its 2026 “Most Haunted” Top 25 list, spotlighting heritage stays with Halloween-themed tours and spooky packages. Hotel Development: Hilton’s new “Undergraduate” college-town brand says it’s building momentum, with a prototype in the works and plans to scale across the U.S. Outdoor Recreation: Pine Creek Rail Trail was named Pennsylvania’s 2026 Trail of the Year, drawing 44,000+ visitors annually and boosting local spending. Travel Planning: A fall foliage cruise idea is making waves—an 11-day sailing from Philadelphia to Quebec City for scenic color from the water. Public Health (Travel Impact): Pennsylvania measles hospitalizations are rising (about 1 in 5 patients), with Chester and Lancaster counties among the hardest hit—worth noting for visitors and families. Road & Transit Notes: PennDOT posted statewide roadwork and lane restrictions, plus updates on major corridors like I-80 and Route 22. Food Safety: PepsiCo recalled 28-ounce Gatorade bottles in 37 states due to undeclared yellow dyes on labels. Local Events: The Old Construction and Mining Equipment Show returns Oct. 24–25 in Mingo Junction, with static displays, digging fun, and exhibitor camping.

Fall Travel Upgrade: An 11-day Norwegian Cruise Line sailing from Philadelphia to Quebec City is being pitched as a low-stress way to catch peak fall color from the water, with stops including Bar Harbor, Halifax, Prince Edward Island, the Saguenay Fjord, and an overnight in Quebec City. Road & Rail for Pennsylvanians: Amtrak says ticket sales are expected soon for a second daily round trip on the Pennsylvanian route between Pittsburgh and New York City, starting mid-November—good news for weekend and business travelers. Broadband Boost: Gov. Josh Shapiro and the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority announced more than $448 million in BEAD grants to expand affordable high-speed internet across 50 counties. Local Tourism Economy: Butler County visitor spending hit $793.6 million in 2025, up for a fifth straight year, with gains across transportation, food and beverage, recreation, retail, and lodging. Outdoors & Planning: The USDA is seeking public comment on a proposal to roll back the Roadless Rule in the Allegheny National Forest, affecting about 25,000 acres—comments due Oct. 6. Community & Safety: A police chase in Reading ended with suspects missing and possibly armed, after a stolen car pursuit that crossed Buttonwood Bridge.

Rail Travel Boost: Amtrak says it will open ticket sales this month for a second daily round trip on the Pennsylvanian between Pittsburgh and New York City, starting mid-November—Western Pennsylvania’s first twice-daily service in over two decades. Tourism Economy: Pennsylvania’s tourism industry hit a major milestone, adding $87.2B to the state economy in 2025 and supporting 521,021 jobs, with $5.2B in state and local taxes. Outdoor Policy: Pennsylvanians who hike, hunt, fish, or paddle in the Allegheny National Forest have until Oct. 6 to comment on a federal proposal that would roll back protections for about 25,000 acres of remote “roadless” land. Fall Travel Weather: Forecasters say a potentially record-breaking El Niño could bring stormier, wetter conditions in the southern U.S. for Thanksgiving and Christmas, while the Northeast—including Pennsylvania—may see warmer, drier travel conditions. Road Updates: Expect lane impacts on I-95 in Northeast Philly for traffic camera repairs (Oct. 6, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.) and a traffic switch on I-80 for the Lehigh River Bridge project. Local Outdoors Calendar: A packed week of hikes and outdoors events includes fitness hikes and led trail walks around Lancaster County.

Tourism Economy Boost: Pennsylvania’s tourism industry added $87.2B to the state economy in 2025, supporting 521,021 jobs and drawing 206.2M visitors, according to a new DCED report. Outdoor Access Deadline: Hikers, hunters, and paddlers in the Allegheny National Forest have until Oct. 6 to comment on a federal proposal that would roll back protections for about 25,000 acres of remote “roadless” land. Voting & Travel Planning: Election Day is under a month away, and Pennsylvania’s voter registration deadline is Oct. 19 (with mail-in ballot deadlines varying by county), so travelers heading home for the vote should plan early. Road & Transit Updates: PennDOT will close one southbound I-95 lane Tuesday (9 a.m.–3 p.m.) for traffic camera repairs, and I-80 Lehigh River Bridge work includes a traffic switch to Stage 2 Phase 3C. Local Community Events: Elk County’s Hometown Heroes initiative is expanding to honor veterans and first responders, and Lehighton’s Give a Gobbler fundraiser is accepting donations for Nov. 18.

Tourism Economy Boost: Pennsylvania’s tourism keeps climbing, with a new DCED report saying the industry hit a $87.2B impact in 2025, supported 521,021 jobs, generated $5.2B in state and local taxes, and drew 206.2M visitors. Road-Trip Timing: PennDOT will implement a traffic switch on I-80’s Lehigh River Bridge project (Stage 2 Phase 3C), changing patterns for drivers—plus a separate PA Turnpike ramp closure near Lansdale Interchange early Sunday morning. Local Giving: Lehighton’s 7th annual Give a Gobbler event is set for Nov. 18, collecting donations for veterans’ holiday meals. Day-Trip Inspiration: A travel piece highlights a Pennsylvania-accessible Amish day trip idea—Middlefield, Ohio—showcasing the region’s slow-paced culture and food. Sports Travel Note: The Rams visit Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field on Oct. 5, with fall weather expected around the mid-60s and a chance of rain. Community Spotlight: Elk County’s Hometown Heroes initiative is expanding to honor veterans and first responders.

Tourism Economy Boost: Pennsylvania’s tourism industry grew by $6.4 billion under Gov. Josh Shapiro, with a 2025 impact of $87.2B, 521,021 jobs, and 206.2M visitors—plus $5.2B in state and local taxes. Road & Travel Disruptions: The PA Turnpike will close the northbound Exit 31B ramp (Harleysville) from midnight to 6 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 4; drivers should use Exit 31A. Overnight Highway Work: PennDOT resurfacing on U.S. 422 in Limerick and Upper Providence brings nightly lane closures Oct. 4–8 (7 p.m.–5 a.m. eastbound; 8 p.m.–6 a.m. westbound). Fall Fun Calendar: Clarion’s 73rd Annual Autumn Leaf Festival runs Oct. 3–11 with rides, new food vendors, and festival souvenirs. Outdoor Spotlight: Lackawanna State Park is asking for help after a bridge placard was stolen during a recent lake drawdown. Local Events & Culture: Bucks County is set for a major Shapiro day-of-action this weekend, while Philadelphia hosted Nigeria’s 66th Independence Day flag-raising at City Hall.

Travel Insurance Reality Check: A Montgomery County woman says her TripMate travel insurance claim after a serious back injury turned into a months-long fight, with disputes over policy wording like “in-person treatment,” a reminder to read the fine print before you buy. Fall Foliage Forecast: Foresters in the Poconos say color is starting to show, with peak expected around mid-October, and the Lehigh Valley following about the third week. Road-Trip Planning: PennDOT is asking drivers for feedback on construction and maintenance through Oct. 20, while the PA Turnpike and State Police launch a second October crackdown on unpaid tolls that can mean citations and impoundment. Family-Friendly Events: The Pennsylvania Theatre of Performing Arts brings “The Great Detectives” one-act performances to Hazleton’s J.J. Ferrara Center Oct. 1–4. Local Attractions: Visit Luzerne County unveiled a new historical marker in Wilkes-Barre honoring Babe Ruth’s legendary 1926 650-foot homer at Kirby Park. Storm Watch: A powerful nor’easter is driving flooding and power outages across the Northeast, including Pennsylvania.

Tourism Economy Boost: Pennsylvania released new figures showing visitor spending in Carbon County hit $602.7M in 2025, supporting 3,200+ direct jobs and nearly $52M in state and local taxes, with the Pocono Mountains region totaling $5B in visitor spending. Road-Trip Reality Check: The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission and State Police are launching a second statewide enforcement push targeting drivers with suspended registrations tied to unpaid tolls. Local Heritage Moment: A new historical marker in Wilkes-Barre commemorates Babe Ruth’s legendary 1926 650-foot homer into Kirby Park. PennDOT Feedback Call: PennDOT is asking the public to weigh in on construction and maintenance through an online customer satisfaction survey running until Oct. 20. Outdoor & Trails: Wellsboro celebrated the Pine Creek Rail Trail being named the 2026 Pennsylvania Trail of the Year, highlighting its visitor draw and local economic impact. Visitor Safety/Planning: AAA is urging caution during peak deer season as collision risks rise. Travel Disruption Watch: A powerful nor’easter is reported to have caused flooding, outages, and major flight cancellations across the Northeast.