Bucks County has been named the number one fall foliage destination in the country by Priceline, a designation that tourism officials hope will boost visitors and the local economy.
The recognition has been featured in articles by Travel and Leisure, Forbes, The New York Times, and more than 30 other news outlets, according to county officials.
“We are super excited,” said Paul Bencivengo, president of Visit Bucks County, the county’s official tourism promotional agency. “A lot of times locals don’t see what we do because our job is to market Bucks County outside of Bucks County, to bring people in and again to spend money.”
Bencivengo said the county welcomes eight million visitors annually, generating $1 billion in economic impact and supporting 28,000 hospitality jobs.
The Bucks County Commissioners issued a proclamation Wednesday celebrating the designation and recognizing Visit Bucks County’s efforts to promote the area.
“Each year, Bucks County residents welcome the red and yellows of autumn as they overtake the county’s verdant summer landscape to paint a familiar picture of fall,” Commissioner Gene DiGirolamo read from the proclamation. “The season draws out residents and tourists alike, all hoping to experience fall in the countryside along the river or in our bustling boroughs, complete with vibrant foliage, pumpkin and apple picking festivals and events.”
Visit Bucks County officials said they were thrilled to receive text messages from tourism colleagues who saw the national news about Bucks County’s top ranking.
“We all know what a great fall destination we are,” Bencivengo said. “And as you said, not just in the Philly region, not just in Pennsylvania, but in the United States.”
The tourism agency is encouraging residents to explore local attractions this fall.
“Sometimes we forget what’s in our own backyard,” Bencivengo said. “So find us on social media, go to our website and hit that brewery, that winery, take that covered bridge drive, spend your dollars here in Bucks County.”
Visit Bucks County’s leadership team attended the commissioners meeting to accept the proclamation.
Bencivengo said the agency’s work goes beyond just marketing to supporting and advocating for the hospitality industry.
“Some people say, oh, you’ve got a fun job. It’s fun, it is hard work, and there’s a lot of creativity that goes into it,” he said.
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