EventsWorthy - Visit Bucks Annual Meeting

Visit Bucks County Shares Strategies at 2022 Annual Meeting

October 19, 2022 – Bucks County, PA – More than 150 tourism professionals gathered at Visit Bucks County’s (VBC) Annual Meeting at the Inn at Barley Sheaf Farm.

Paul Bencivengo, President & COO of Visit Bucks County presented on key economic indicators and the state of the hospitality industry. “Looking back at 2021, data showed a strong recovery of the Bucks County tourism industry,” he said. “As travel restrictions lifted, potential visitors in key markets such as the New York, Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia metros sought experiences and connection through travel again in suburban, drivable destinations,” said Bencivengo. In 2021, Bucks County welcomed 7.58 million visitors, generating $986 million dollars in economic impact, and supporting a total hospitality workforce of more than 25,000 jobs. (Source: ESI)

Visit Bucks County’s Annual Meeting concluded with remarks from Visit Bucks County’s Industry Relations & Visitor Services Director, Lisa Paglaiccetti, who shared plans, including the ongoing development of Visit Bucks County’s mobile Visitor Center that canvases the County engaging with consumers at area attractions, festivals and events.

Paglaiccetti introduced guest speaker, Ben Fileccia, Senior Vice President of Strategy and Engagement for the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association (PRLA). Fileccia gave an overview of the statewide restaurant and lodging industry and spoke to current trends in the hospitality industry.

Photo Credit: Kevin Crawford Imagery

The Visit Bucks County team

Ben Fileccia of the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association. Jim Cuorato of the Independence Visitors Center with Angela Val from Visit Philadelphia and Jennifer Nagle, Independence Visitors Center

Andrew Lovell of Temple University's School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management with Paul Bencivengo of Visit Bucks County and Bill Gehrman, En Route

Jennifer Burns of Peddler's Village along with Visit Bucks County’s Board Member Sharon Rossi and other Board Members, Christine Hensel Triantos and Bob McGowan of Peddler's Village