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Pennsylvania Tourism Partnership Updates on Steering Committee [Travel & Leisure Close - Up](Travel & Leisure Close - Up Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) The Corbett Administration continues to strengthen Pennsylvania's tourism industry through the Pennsylvania Tourism Partnership and the continued progress of a 17-member steering committee. "After nearly 25 years of the tourism industry exploring a variety of approaches to marketing, Pennsylvania is on the verge of making history," said DCED Sec. Alan Walker, in a release. "The creation of a steering committee was an essential first step for the partnership toward strengthening the Commonwealth's tourism brand and marketing and achieving greater continuity. Its continued evolution will require collaboration with Pennsylvania's tourism industry and business leaders as well as tourism colleagues around the country." The PTP is the result of a two-year process and increasing momentum toward a structure that enables the public and private sectors to collectively drive the future of Pennsylvania's tourism marketing efforts. State Representative Jerry Stern chairs the House Tourism and Recreational Development. "Travel and tourism is a highly competitive global industry where promotion is increasingly critical to driving visitation," said Lynn Burkholder, PTP Project Director. "I look forward to working with the steering committee, PATT and the OTTF in the coming months as we take important steps toward opportunities to market and promote Pennsylvania as a domestic and international tourism destination." The PTP exists initially within Team Pennsylvania Foundation for up to three years during the start-up phase, operating under its 501(c) 3 charter and funded with operational seed money from DCE and support from the Pennsylvania Association of Travel and Tourism. The Pennsylvania OTTF will continue to represent the state's involvement in the partnership and will be actively engaged on the steering committee. "Creating the public/private Pennsylvania Tourism Partnership has long been a goal and initiative of the travel and tourism industry in Pennsylvania," said Rob Fulton, President and CEO of PATT. "We are thrilled to achieve this important milestone, but we realize this is only the beginning of an exciting journey. The steering committee is a valuable asset as we grow the partnership and enhance tourism marketing." The Steering Committee includes: Nick DeBenedictis, Chairman/CEO, Aqua America, Inc., Liz Diesel, General Manager, Glades Pike Winery, Kim Schaller, Executive V.P./ Chief Marketing Officer, Hershey Entertainment and Resorts, Joe Massaro, General Manager, Hilton Harrisburg, Marnie Conley, Chief Marketing Officer, Longwood Garden, Ted Leonard, Executive Director, PA AAA Federation, Robert Nutting, Principal Owner, Pittsburgh Pirates, William Demchak, President/CEO, PNC Bank, Brandon Igdalsky, President/CEO, Pocono Raceway, Patrick Ryan, Director of Sales, Sands Casino resort, Paul Nelson, Owner, Waldameer Park, Karen Winner Sed, CEO, Winner International, Greg Booth, President/CEO, Zippo Case, Alan Walker, Secretary, Department of Community and Economic Development, Ellen Ferretti, Secretary, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and George Greig, Secretary, Department of Agriculture More information and complete details: patourismpartnership.com ((Comments on this story may be sent to [email protected])) (c) 2014 ProQuest Information and Learning Company; All Rights Reserved. |