Joe Massaro: Shapiro’s proposed investment in Pa.’s trail system will boost economic development

As Pennsylvania competes with surrounding states to attract tourists, it’s important we remain competitive in as many areas as possible. Outdoor recreation and tourism are linked, especially in a state like Pennsylvania. And enhancements in outdoor infrastructure have far-reaching positive impacts on our communities and economies.

This is why the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association strongly supports Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposed $8.5 million investment to improve the commonwealth’s trail system.

Outdoor recreation remains a cornerstone of promoting many regions in our state, and Shapiro’s proposal would enable the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to design and construct new trails, and improve and expand existing ones, all of which calls for a significant investment in an area that will undoubtedly help attract visitors and connect communities.

This initiative aligns perfectly with the governor’s newly unveiled tourism brand, Pennsylvania: The Great American Getaway. Government and industry stakeholders are energized and ready to draw visitors to the Keystone State. Outdoor recreation is a major attraction, and our trails are the backbone of this system.

Despite Pennsylvania’s progress in outdoor recreation investments, trail development has lagged. The proposed funding bridges this gap in our outdoor tourism infrastructure, supporting the development of destination trail networks that connect communities and businesses to trail users.

The economic potential is substantial.

A study conducted by Fourth Economy regarding the Great Allegheny Passageway interviewed business owners and community residents from the GAP region in 2020-21. Tourists visiting to explore cool tunnels and expansive scenery noted in detail what anchored their trips and where they stayed. The report found a $121 million annual impact on tourism spending in the region — $74.7 million direct impact of spending by GAP tourism at businesses within the Trail Impact Zone and $21.6 million indirect impact of secondary purchases from businesses.

The report cites an $800,000 annual economic impact per mile of trail, calling this sort of development an economic highway. Dining, lodging and food-to-go top the list of businesses that see a positive impact from developed trails, with $90 per day as the average spend by trail users.

It’s concerning that Ohio, Virginia and West Virginia have surpassed Pennsylvania in outdoor recreation-based tourism. This proposal is our chance to reclaim our competitive edge.

Reporting in other states identifies the missed opportunity — a Chattanooga, Tenn., study indicates in the UTC Tourism Center’s report on the impact of Mountain Bike Trails, that with an average spend of about $89 on food alone and $342 per trip, visitors to their trails have the strongest impact on restaurants and bars, followed by hotels, amusements and then retail. When people visit for mountain biking, hiking, etc., they also visit hotels and restaurants.

Local revenues are already stretched to their limits, and they are not equipped to support such an extensive investment. Leveraging the general fund and state dollars for this purpose not only ensures that local resources remain available for other pressing needs as well as to market newly enhanced assets like trails but also reflects a statewide commitment to bolstering our tourism and outdoor recreation sectors.

We are enthusiastic about Shapiro’s vision to connect communities, visitors and businesses and attract more people to Pennsylvania: The Great American Getaway.

Joe Massaro is president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association.