Pennsylvania Governor Corbett Continues Tourism Promotion Trip with a Kayak Tour on the Juniata River in Perry County and Visit to Gettysburg National Park

PERRY and ADAMS COUNTY, Pa., Aug. 8, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Tom Corbett continued a three-day tourism promotion trip of central Pennsylvania today in Perry and Adams counties to highlight Pennsylvania as a top destination for in-state and out-of-state travelers.

"The tourism industry is critical to our economy and our communities, supporting hundreds of jobs in Perry County and almost 5,000 jobs in the home of Gettysburg National Park, Adams County," Corbett said. "I want to bring attention to this industry, do my part to support getting the word out on all Pennsylvania has to offer and encourage out-of-staters and in-staters alike to explore Pennsylvania."

Tourism is Pennsylvania's second largest industry, directly providing almost 300,000 jobs across the state.

The governor began the day with a morning paddle on the Juniata River in Perry County. Corbett was joined by Dave Neuman, a regional river guide with Koinonia Guide Service, as well as members of the Hershey Harrisburg Convention and Visitors Bureau and Pennsylvania Association of Travel and Tourism. 

With more than 85,000 miles of rivers and streams and 76 natural lakes, Pennsylvania brings in an estimated $3.3 billion in economic benefit from fishing and boating activities. Pennsylvania has about 340,000 registered boats and, in 2012, the Fish and Boat Commission sold more than 40,000 launch permits for unpowered boats like kayaks and canoes.

"I take these trips to showcase Pennsylvania as a vast state with an abundance of things to see and do," Corbett said. "There are so many different ways to enjoy Pennsylvania, and I am grateful that for the third year in a row, I can highlight the state's rivers and lakes, state parks and other tourism attractions."

After leaving the water, the governor hosted a group of school children from the Nativity School in Harrisburg to Gettysburg National Park. The governor and the children viewed the acclaimed documentary, "A New Birth of Freedom,'' and then toured the Gettysburg Cyclorama. 

The cyclorama was a very popular form of entertainment in the late 1800s, both in America and Europe. These massive oil-on-canvas paintings were displayed in special auditoriums and enhanced with landscaped foregrounds sometimes featuring trees, grasses, fences and even life-sized figures. The result was a three-dimensional effect that surrounded the viewers who stood on a central platform, literally placing them in the center of the great historic scene.

The "Battle of Gettysburg" Cyclorama, a fantastic painting, brings to life the fury of the final Confederate assault on July 3, 1863, providing the viewer with a sense of what occurred at the battle long-touted as the turning point of the Civil War.

"I'm happy to see young people who are passionate about history and curious about our heritage," Corbett said. "I hope they'll go back and tell their friends about their experience here and encourage them to come visit the battlefield and this visitor center."

The governor was joined for the visit by First Lady Susan Corbett. Mrs. Corbett previously worked for the Gettysburg Foundation and was a part of the team that played a significant role in bringing the Cyclorama to its new home at the Welcome Center.

"Our state is a place everyone should tour with their families and friends," Corbett said. "It won't let you down."

"You can start right here in Gettysburg, where the world comes to learn about our Civil War, and experience a place where the past comes alive. You'll have fun. You'll learn. You'll make some friends along the way."

The governor and first lady ended the day with a reception at The Gettysburg Hotel, sponsored by the Gettysburg Convention and Visitor's Bureau, giving local tourism officials the opportunity to discuss tourism issues with the couple.

During the reception, the governor reaffirmed his commitment to the industry and doing what he can to help grow our tourism regions. 

"The tourism attractions of Adams County are helping support this local economy and the economy of our state," Corbett said. "So, by keeping tourism successful here, you are helping to keep Pennsylvanians employed and your region growing."

This year's state budget dedicates more than $7 million for tourism marketing across the state. The governor has also led the way in creating the Pennsylvania Tourism Partnership, which will leverage private and public dollars to provide a more stable funding source for our tourism promotion efforts. 

The governor was also joined for today's activities by Department of Community and Economic Development Deputy Secretary for Tourism Carolyn Newhouse and Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Executive Director John Arway.

Media contact: Kelli Roberts, 717-783-1116

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor