Latest news with #AnneRyan
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Massive crowds in Oakmont for U.S. Open serve as preview for year of large sporting events in Pa.
Massive crowds have arrived in Oakmont for the U.S. Open and they are only expected to grow as play continues. While all eyes are on the U.S. Open Championship, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is getting a test run for a huge year coming up. Advertisement Pennsylvania will be at the center of the sports world in 2026. The 2026 NFL Draft kicks off in Pittsburgh in April. The PGA Championship will be held just outside of Philadelphia. Some World Cup Games will also be held in Philadelphia, along with the MLB All-Star Game. Hosting just one of these events would be huge for the Commonwealth but all of them combined are expected to have a huge impact. 'It's projected that all of these sports events and tourism in general are going to generate 90 billion dollars in economic impact across the state, which is just massive,' said Deputy Secretary for Tourism for PA, Anne Ryan. 'When you can host an event like the NFL draft or FIFA World Cup, the site selectors who are responsible for identifying the next host cities say 'they have the infrastructure, the operations, the people - the fans.' The NFL Draft is expected to bring 600,000 people to Pittsburgh. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Pennsylvania invites travelers to 'Get Away' this spring and summer
May 11—Gov. Josh Shapiro understands the importance of the tourism industry to Pennsylvania's economy — he included $65 million in funding in his 2025-26 proposed budget to prepare for America's 250th birthday next year. Anne Ryan, Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) deputy secretary of tourism, this week announced the launch of Visit PA's new "Get Away" campaign — the latest extension of the Pennsylvania: The Great American Getaway tourism effort. The campaign will inspire travelers to find the magic in letting go, embracing the fun of taking a detour, shedding the stress of everyday life, and discovering the joy in the unexpected. With Pennsylvania's unparalleled mix of lush natural beauty, historic charm and hidden gems, the state is the ideal escape for those seeking a unique and authentic getaway. The "Get Away" campaign will roll out across high-traffic regional drive markets and major cities through a mix of television, public advertising, transit center takeovers, paid social media, and digital advertising that highlight the state's relaxing and off-the-beaten-path destinations. "We know that life feels like a lot right now, and sometimes the best way to recharge is to get away — without the stress of over-planning," Ryan said. "Tourism contributes nearly $80 billion to Pennsylvania's economy, so we're always listening to travelers' needs and, right now, they're seeking less-crowded, unique destinations that reduce stress and foster real connections. Our bold and playful 'Get Away' campaign answers that call, showcasing Pennsylvania as the perfect place to relax, discover hidden gems, and enjoy the vacation we've all been craving." Newly-filmed commercial spots tap into that exhaustion with the everyday grind — whether you're stuck on a subway platform after just missing your train or crammed into an office elevator with neighbors who don't quite understand the need for personal space. The 'Get Away' commercials take the viewer from those all-too-familiar situations and pulls them through a classic PA summer adventure of sights, sounds, and relaxing fresh air moments. Visit PA will also introduce a collection of "Vibe-tineraries" as part of the "Get Away" campaign. These curated guides cater to whatever getaway you need — whether you're a family, couple, group of friends, or solo traveler. From adventure in one of Pennsylvania's 120-plus free state parks to savoring local flavors or simply relaxing, each Vibe-tinerary showcases Pennsylvania's most unexpected destinations — places that make you think, "Wow, that's in Pennsylvania?" For travelers ready to "Get Away," Visit PA's social channels will be the ultimate source for inspiration on unique events and must-see destinations across Pennsylvania this season. From the thrilling FIFA Club World Cup 2025 matches in Philadelphia and The Great American Getaway 400 at Pocono Raceway, to serene escapes like wine tastings and exploring hidden gems like Pine Creek Gorge, Pennsylvania offers something for everyone. The only challenge will be deciding where your adventure takes you. Delivering for the tourism industry, economic development Tourism is a key priority in Shapiro's economic development strategy. A 2024 report by the Pennsylvania Tourism Office details how Pennsylvania's tourism industry generated $76.7 billion in economic impact, supported 486,871 jobs, contributed $4.7 billion in state and local taxes, and welcomed 192.4 million visitors in 2022. Visitor spending, which supports jobs, income, and business sales, generated $9.6 billion in government revenues. Overnight visitor spending increased by $4.8 billion, with more than 66 million trips resulting in $28 billion in spending. On July 4, 2026, America will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia — the birthplace of the nation. Just as Pennsylvania played a critical role in 1776, the Commonwealth is primed to once again be in the spotlight in 2026 with major events throughout the State — from NCAA's March Madness men's basketball tournament, the FIFA World Cup, and MLB All-Star Game in Philadelphia, to the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh. DCNR opens grant applications to protect at-risk wildlife The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources this week announced applications are now open for the 2025 Wild Resource Conservation Program (WRCP) — which offers grant funding to support research and conservation projects that protect Pennsylvania's native wildlife, plants, and ecosystems. The WRCP, overseen by DCNR, provides critical support for conserving non-game animals, native plants and fungi, and invertebrates such as insects — species often left out of traditional conservation programs but vital to the Commonwealth's ecosystems. "These grants fuel the kind of science-driven, hands-on conservation work that helps protect Pennsylvania's most vulnerable wildlife and plant species," said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. "The Shapiro Administration is committed to maintaining our Commonwealth's rich biodiversity for future generations — and this program is a key part of that mission." This year's WRCP grant priorities include: —Surveys of at-risk species such as the Allegheny woodrat, northern harrier, green salamander and state-listed native plants. —Genetic research on native grapes and mountain mint. —Habitat management for wood thrush and other species of concern. Additional focus areas include the rare amphipod species Gammarus and 12 regional stonefly species identified as top conservation priorities. Launched in 1982, WRCP encourages and supports research and protection efforts to conserve Pennsylvania's diverse native wildlife resources, including bird and mammal species, amphibians and reptiles, insects, wild plants, and fungi. In 2024, DCNR awarded $372,000 through WRCP to support field research, habitat restoration, and the conservation of fungi and plant species. Applications will be accepted through 4 p.m. on July 7 at DCNR's online grant portal. Project proposals that support DCNR's Wildlife Action Plan or other agency conservation priorities — even if not explicitly listed — are welcomed. Visit DCNR's website for full grant criteria, priority species and application instructions.
