What does this measure?

The economic impact of the travel and tourism industry on a geographic area, measured by total expenditures related to travel/tourism.

Why is this important?

Tourism brings external money into a region's economy, fueling the development of jobs, new industry and attractions. The sense that a region is a tourist destination also can boost regional pride.

How is our county performing?

In 2017, people spent about $924 million on travel and tourism in Berks County, or 2% of the over $44 billion in tourism spending statewide that year. Spending in Berks represented $2,213 per county resident, well below Pennsylvania's rate of $3,470 per resident. Total tourism spending per resident in Berks County was largely flat (increasing by 6%) from 2005 to 2017, while spending increased 13% statewide during the same period (after inflation).

Tourism spending per resident in 2017 in surrounding counties was lower than Berks in Chester ($1,580), Lebanon ($1,599), Montgomery ($1,727) and Schuylkill ($1,555) counties. Spending per resident was higher in Lancaster ($4,049) and Lehigh ($3,479). Like Berks, total tourism spending since 2005 was below 10% in all counties. Spending increased from 3% in Lebanon and Lehigh to 8% in Lancaster and Schuylkill, during the same period.

Notes about the data

Figures presented are in 2018 dollars. Total expenditures include spending by domestic and international travelers in the region on transportation, lodging, meals, entertainment, recreation and other tourism-related expenses.

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