News & Resources
Read PRLA’s press releases for our latest updates.
We strive to be a resource for journalists and can provide you with the information you need in a timely manner. Contact Stephanie Otterson, director of communications, at (717) 963-8369 or sotterson@prla.org, be sure to include your name, outlet, story topic, and deadline.
Fast facts about Pennsylvania hospitality & tourism
RESTAURANTS
- 26,637: Eating & drinking place locations in Pennsylvania in 2022
- $27.9 Billion: Projected sales in Pennsylvania restaurants in 2022
- 497,300: Restaurant and foodservice jobs in Pennsylvania in 2022 (equals 8 percent of employment in the state)
- Every additional dollar spent in Pennsylvania’s restaurants contributes $2.13 to the state economy.
- Every additional $1 million spent in Pennsylvania’s restaurants generates 17.8 jobs in the state.
HOTELS
- 153,317: Hotel rooms at 1,711 properties in Pennsylvania in 2021
- 54,114: Direct hotel jobs in Pennsylvania in 2021
- 219,144: Total direct and indirect jobs in Pennsylvania in 2021
- $14.5 Billion: Hotel guest spending in Pennsylvania economy
TRAVEL & TOURISM
- $46.0 Billion: Direct travel and tourism visitor spending in 2019
- 348,071: Direct travel economy jobs
- 9 out of 51: Pennsylvania ranks 9th nationally based on earnings in the accommodations sector in 2021
- 35 out of 41: Pennsylvania ranks 35th out of 41 states based on the size of the state tourism budget
- Every $1 invested in Pennsylvania’s tourism budget generates $4.47 of additional state and local taxes AND $65 of additional visitor spending.
National industry breakdown
RESTAURANTS
- 1 million+ eating & drinking places nationwide
- 15.5 million people employed by the restaurant industry
- $997 billion of projected sales for 2023
- 8 in 10 restaurant owners started their industry careers in entry-level positions
- 63% of adults have worked in the restaurant industry, making it the nation’s training ground
- 41% of restaurant firms are owned by minorities, compared to 30% of businesses in the private sector
- Data provided by the National Restaurant Association [source]
HOTELS
- 62,500 properties nationwide
- 8.3 million people employed by the hotel industry
- $1.5 trillion in hotel revenue, guest spending, and taxes contributed by U.S. hotel sales.
- Data provided by the American Hotel & Lodging Association & Tourism Economics [source]
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Resources for Hospitality Businesses, Vendors, Sponsors, Students. Membership is for Everyone!
