Visitors spent $691.2 million in Adams County in 2016, according to a recently released report through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. This marks a $4.5 million increase over the previous year.
 
The report breaks down visitor spending into five categories:

• Lodging: $92.9 million
• Dining: $141.1 million
• Shopping: $126.8 million
• Recreation: $165.0 million
• Transportation: $165.4 million

The same study also reported that 5,199 jobs in Adams County were directly supported by tourism in 2016, while an additional 2,659 employees benefited indirectly through service jobs and other businesses that support the tourism industry. More than $146 million was paid in wages to those direct tourism workers.
 
Overall, visitors - both directly and indirectly - contributed $134 million in taxes to federal, state and local governments, according to the report.
 
This report comes on the heels of an announcement that hotel revenue in Adams County recorded a banner year in 2017, generating more than $52 million.

To view the full report, click the link below and scroll to pages 76-82.

>> Download Full Report

​This past weekend, Destination Gettysburg and 14 craft beverage partners launched the official Adams County Pour Tour. This passport-guided beverage trail connects our wine, cider, beer and spirits together in one easy-to-follow experience. The goal is to both increase visitation with new culinary travelers and to extend the stay of existing visitors.
 
The bonus to the program is that our local community is just as excited about the trail as our visitors are.
 
Nearly 200 passports have been requested through the official website, adamscountypourtour.com. This is in addition to the dozens of passports handed out this weekend. Reid's Winery Cider House stamped over 60 passports and Adams County Winery - Wine Shop at 25C already distributed six prizes over the weekend.
 
If you would like official Adams County Pour Tour Map brochures to distribute from your business, please stop by the Administrative Office, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Passports are available at all 14 partner locations. For additional details on the program, download the FAQ here.
 
Questions on the Adams County Pour Tour can be directed to Paige Neidig, Tour Manager, at pourtour@destinationgettysburg.com.  

​Teach & Travel Magazine, the official publication for Student & Youth Travel Association (SYTA) announced in its May edition the top student destinations for 2018.
 
Gettysburg rounded out the Top 10, which also included Washington, DC., Philadelphia, Los Angeles, New York, Orlando and Chicago.
 
"Today, the town of Gettysburg is a prime destination for interactive lessons on history," the magazine noted. The article also mentioned historic sites, ghost tours, as well as nature experiences and theater.
 
Adams County welcomes approximately 15,000 groups annually, many of which are students, especially those who arrive in April and May. Destination Gettysburg's sales staff works year-round with tour operators and group travel leaders to promote group travel, including the student market.
 
>> More about Group Travel in Adams County

​Dr. Matthew Moen, President of the Gettysburg Foundation, has been named to Destination Gettysburg's Board of Directors. Moen takes the place of Cindy Small, also of the Gettysburg Foundation, who retired last month.
 
Moen will serve the remainder of Small's three-year term, which expires Dec. 31, 2020.
 
"As someone who leads one of the centerpieces of visitor experiences in Adams County, Moen will bring a wealth of knowledge to the board of directors," said Norris Flowers, President of Destination Gettysburg. "This appointment will maintain a strong connection between the two organizations."
 
Moen became President of the Gettysburg Foundation in March 2017.
 
"I'm pleased to join the Destination Gettysburg board, and to have the opportunity to support the work of this organization as well as the Gettysburg community," said Moen.
 
Destination Gettysburg's Board of Directors includes 15 members, representing businesses and organizations throughout Adams County.
 
>> Learn More