Westmoreland commissioners fund tourism plan, earmark funds for marketing

The 2020 tourism plan for Westmoreland County includes more than $834,000 in new projects and reserves a large purse for what officials hope one day will be spent on an agressive marketing campaign to lure tourists — and their wallets.

Projects include upgrades to county parks, financing for the annual Arts and Heritage Festival and construction of the visitor’s and education center at Historic Hannastown in Hempfield.

“It’s not a huge number this year, but we are trying to save money for a marketing plan,” said Commissioner Gina Cerilli.

The plan, which commissioners approved Thursday, is financed through a 2% increase of the county’s hotel tax, created in 2016, to raise money for tourism in the region. In all, the 5% tax on room rentals is turned over annually the Laurel Highlands Visitor’s Bureau to promote regional destinations and pay for local grants.

That additional tax is designated to pay for Westmoreland-specific projects identified for funding by county commissioners as part of a deal with the visitor’s bureau.

With this year’s allocations, more than $1 million remains for future spending.

Commissioner Sean Kertes said that money could be used to create a marketing plan to promote the county as a tourist destination.

“We want to find the best way to market Westmoreland County. We can do this through television, billboard and radio adds,” Kertes said. “We’ve always discussed bringing people into Westmoreland County, and we have to show our assets we have here.”

Commissioners said similar marketing plans touting nearby Washington County have been successful, signaling the potential to do the same here.

“This could include creating a logo, a mission statement and a slogan,” said Commissioner Doug Chew.

The approved tourism plan calls for more than $112,000 to upgrade playground equipment at county-owned parks; a $192,000 project to renovate ball fields and another $38,800 to remodel the boathouse at Northmoreland Park; $38,912 to pay for concierge service at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport; and $162,000 for the four-day arts festival at Twin Lakes Park.

Commissioners also touted a $12,000 project to buy paddle trikes for Twin Lakes Park and more than $55,000 for musical performances this year at the parks and grants doled out to local artists.

The previous board of commissioners last year handed out nearly $862,000 for park upgrades and other projects. That board also said it was reserving cash for a future marketing plan.

“It will take some time to implement,” Kertes said.

The final tourism plan still must be approved by the visitor’s bureau.