visitors to adams county staying longer

Last year in Adams County, Pa., the percentage of day trips took a significant hit meaning only one thing ... the percentage of overnight stays by travelers spiked, especially for multi-night visits.
 
A recent report of visitor surveys compiled by the California University of Pennsylvania's Tourism Research Center, which has been analyzing data about Adams County's visitors for the past 10 years, showed that the percentage of two-, three- and more than three-night stays nearly doubled in each category.
 
"Attracting visitors to stay multiple nights is clearly a benefit to everyone - lodging facilities, restaurants, retailers and attractions," said Destination Gettysburg President Norris Flowers. "It's also a significant benefit to the local community that sees additional tax revenue, visitor spending and jobs supported by longer stays."
 
Lengthening the say among visitors was identified in 2014 - as part of Destination Gettysburg's five-year strategic plan - as a top goal coming out of the 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg in 2013. Research showed that if visitors understood the depth of the destination and the numerous experiences that Adams County offered, they would be more apt to schedule more time in our community.
 
Since then, Destination Gettysburg has shifted its marketing to highlight the variety of experiences that many travelers and potential travelers are not aware of, including recreation, culinary, shopping and cultural events.
 
Of those visitors surveyed who indicated they stayed at least one night in Adams County, 67 percent said they stayed in a hotel/motel, 15 percent said they stayed at a campground, 9 percent said they stayed at a bed and breakfast and 4 percent indicated they stayed with friends or relatives.
 
In 2016, lodging revenue neared $50 million in Adams County, according to tax reports from the Adams County Treasurer's Office.

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