Jeff Olsommer

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HAWLEY, PA — On Friday, September 20, Representative Jeff Olsommer (R-Pike/Wayne) and the House Republican Policy Committee convened a hearing at the Woodloch Resort to discuss the obstacles and opportunities facing Pennsylvania’s tourism industry.

A 2024 report from the Pennsylvania Tourism Office found the Commonwealth’s tourism industry generated $76.7 billion in economic impact, supported 486,871 jobs and contributed $4.7 billion in state and local taxes in 2022.

The hearing, titled “Passport to Prosperity: Unleashing Pennsylvania’s Tourism Potential,”featured testifiers John Kiesendahl, second-generation owner and CEO emeritus, and Bradley Kiesendahl, president and CEO, Woodloch Resort; Ronald R. Schmalzle, vice chair, Pike County commissioners; and Genevieve Reese, first vice chair, Pocono Mountain Visitor Bureau.

“I’m proud to showcase the beauty of Pike and Wayne counties to my colleagues today,” said Olsommer. “For generations, families have retreated to the Poconos to enjoy vacations, celebrate milestones and escape the stresses of everyday life. For this region to continue serving as a prime destination, however, we must implement pro-growth policies to help the resorts, restaurants and other recreational assets prosper.”

To watch the complete hearing, visit www.pagoppolicy.com/video/policy.