Tourism Marketing through the Clarion County EDC
The EDC is the Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) for Clarion County, which means it leads the region’s efforts to promote tourism. The mission of the EDC is to increase visitation, support local businesses, and grow the tourism economy by highlighting what makes Clarion County an exceptional place to explore, relax, and return to.
The Benefits of Investing in Tourism
Investing in tourism brings additional income to Clarion County. Small businesses benefit when visitors stop by local restaurants and stores. Tourists pay sales and lodging taxes, allowing Clarion County to collect additional funds for infrastructure and other essential programs.
Tourism itself is an industry poised for growth in Clarion County. New businesses in the hospitality field can open as more visitors discover this part of Pennsylvania. Hotels, tour companies, and outdoor recreation stores can open because of the tourist economy. Tomorrow’s entrepreneurs can be inspired by today’s tourists.
Tourism also fosters long-term growth. When visitors come to Clarion County, they can fall in love with everything this community has to offer. According to Destinations International, 14% of people relocate because they had a positive visit to a town or city. Companies can have an easier time hiring as more people move to the area, and new businesses can form because employers want to bring their companies here.
Discover Clarion County
The Clarion County EDC recently redesigned DiscoverClarionCounty.com, the main source of information for tourists to the region. Check out this site to learn how people can plan their trips and find local businesses to visit while they are here.
Additional Tourism Marketing Strategies
Along with the redesigned website, the Clarion County EDC has developed strategic destination marketing plans to bring visitors to the region. Some of the tactics utilized to promote Clarion County include:
- Social media campaigns
- Digital storytelling
- Targeted advertising in print and digital platforms
- Video production and photography
- Travel guide development and distribution
The EDC promotes everything from Clarion County’s iconic trails and waterways, to seasonal festivals, charming downtowns, and rural backroad experiences.
Events and Experience Development
Major events can uplift entire communities. Not only do festivals and experiences bring tourists to Clarion County, but they also create fun activities for local families. Events such as the Clarion Autumn Leaf Festival make Northwest Pennsylvania a great place to live. Other experiences like local fairs, heritage celebrations, guided hikes, and kayak runs all add excitement to life.
Vendors, food trucks, musicians, and makers all benefit from these events, while participants can enjoy fun weekend activities.
Festivals and events continue to be good for economic development, which is why the EDC supports the organization and planning for these experiences when it can.
Non-Profit Grant Funding
Nonprofit organizations based in Clarion County can apply for the Hotel Tax Grant Program, to support event marketing efforts designed to increase overnight stays and boost tourism. The grant awards up to $1,000 per event day, capped at $3,500 total. Recipients are asked to match up to 25% of the grant and use the funds to market their event to local audiences at least 50 miles away.
The purpose of this grant is to grow overnight visitation, strengthen the local economy through increased lodging, dining, and retail spend, and build the capacity for tourism-focused nonprofits to expand their reach with professional-grade marketing.
Work With the EDC to Promote Tourism Efforts
The EDC works directly with local tourism and hospitality businesses (lodging, outfitters, attractions), community groups, and regional and statewide tourism networks – including Visit Pennsylvania – to promote Clarion County. This allows the EDC to entrepreneurs and business owners in the area while expanding its reach state and nationwide.
Reach out today to discuss partnership opportunities and promotional strategies.