Fayette Tourism Summit set June 10
The second annual Fayette County Tourism Summit will be held June 10 at Nemacolin Woodlands. On Thursday, local and regional tourism officials joined Fayette County Commissioner Sean M. Cavanagh in announcing the second summit.
“Last year, we held the first summit at the Stone House. This year, Nemacolin is hosting the event for us. It’s open to anyone involved in the tourism industry in any way. The only thing it will cost you is your time,’ Cavanagh said.
Last year’s conference, attended by about 120 people, examined issues in the tourism industry and how to improve that segment of the local economy.
Cavanagh said one of the major points for discussion this year will be how local tourism can take advantage of the “War for Empire’ commemoration in 2004 marking the 250th anniversary of the French and Indian War.
“We will look at what we want to do. Fayette County has the crown jewels of tourism in all of Pennsylvania,’ he said, listing such attractions as Fallingwater, Fort Necessity, whitewater rafting at Ohiopyle, Laurel Caverns and others.
“We also have the pure natural beauty, said Cavanagh. “The idea of the summit is to bring together all the people involved in tourism, the little people, the mom and pop operations clear up to Nemacolin Woodlands.’
Last year, the county issued its first copy of a comprehensive tourism guide. Cavanagh said that will be another point for discussion at the June 10 summit.
“We are going to talk about whether we need a new guide or if we will go ahead and reprint this one,’ he said.
The tourism industry as well as area chambers of commerce have donated funds to cover the cost of the summit so any that attend can do so for free, Cavanagh stressed.
“Together we have a synergy happening and that will push everybody together,’ he said.
“Tourism is a very important element of our economy,’ he added.
Another event that came from last year’s focus on tourism was Fayette County’s participation in the National Association of Counties conference in Philadelphia.
“We were the only county that included tourism as a segment of our display there,’ said Ray Pohaski, executive director of the Fayette County Redevelopment Authority.
Annie Urban, president of the Laurel Highlands Visitor Bureau, which represents Fayette and surrounding counties, said she hopes the summit will help increase visitation in the market region.
Ron Cadrette, Nemacolin Woodlands general manager, said the resort is “an advocate of tourism being the number one industry in Fayette County and the state. Tourism is a clean industry that creates jobs.
Those interested in attending the summit can contact the Fayette Chamber of Commerce at 724-437-4571 or by email at faycham@faycham.org. Reservations should be made since seating will be limited.