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 2016, people spent about $857 million on travel and tourism in Berks County, or 2% of the nearly $42 billion in tourism spending statewide that year. Spending in Berks represented $2,066 per county resident, well below Pennsylvania's rate of $3,254 per resident. Total tourism spending in Berks County was largely flat (increasing by 8%) from 2005 to 2016, while spending increased 14% statewide during the same period (after inflation).

Tourism spending per resident in 2016 in surrounding counties was lower than Berks in Chester ($1,496), Lebanon ($1,480), Montgomery ($1,656) and Schuylkill ($1,436) counties. Spending per resident was higher in Lancaster ($3,835) and Lehigh ($3,220). Like Berks, total tourism spending since 2005 was below 10% in Schuylkill. Spending increased in Lebanon and Lehigh (both at 10%), Montgomery (12%), Chester (16%), and Lancaster (17%) during the same period.

Notes about the data

Figures presented are in 2016 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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