BUTLER COUNTY VISITOR SPENDING EXCEEDS $750,000,000

(BUTLER, Pa., September 18, 2025) - Visitor spending in Butler County increased by over one hundred million dollars between 2023 and 2024, according to the latest Economic Impact of Pennsylvania’s Travel and Tourism Industry Report.

That number is divided into categories: lodging, food & beverage, retail, recreation, and transportation. The 2024 report reflects an increase in spending within all five major categories:

• $178.2 million spent on food & beverage (14% increase)
• $131.2 million in retail spending (12% increase)
• $79.6 million spent on lodging (7% increase)
• $151.7 million in recreation (13% increase)
• $225.9 million in transportation (23% increase)

“The numbers directly reflect tourism’s positive and significant impact on our county’s economy,” said Amy Pack, president of Experience Butler County. “They show growth for our small towns and cities, supporting new businesses, restaurants, and attractions, which is vital for continuing to build Butler into a traveler’s destination.”

The report also shows continued growth in travel industry employment. Pennsylvania’s tourism industry grew by $7 billion from 2023 to 2024 ― from $76 billion to nearly $84 billion — resulting in the creation of 30,000 additional jobs across the Commonwealth.

Travel spending has a huge tax impact on our state. Each household in PA would need to be taxed $950 to replace the visitor-generated taxes from 2024. The statewide report is available through Visit PA’s website and breaks down information by state, county, and region.

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About Experience Butler County PA: Since being founded in 2002 by the Board of Commissioners as the official tourism promotion and development organization for Butler County, Experience Butler County PA has been dedicated to working with a variety of organizations including agritourism, fairs and festivals, golf, historical societies, museums, great outdoors, arts and culture, family fun, dining, shopping and accommodations to promote tourism. Our mission is to promote Butler County’s welcoming spirit, natural beauty, and vibrant tourism industry through innovative partnerships with local businesses to drive economic growth.