Positive Outlook For 2012 Summer Season In The Pocono Mountains

06/28/2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Alicia M. Quinn
Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau
alicia@poconos.org
800poconos.com / twitter.com/PoconoTourism
570.421.5791

Positive Outlook For 2012 Summer Season In The Pocono Mountains
Upcoming Season Filled with New Attractions and Life's Greater Than Icons

POCONO MOUNTAINS, Pa., June 28, 2012 - The Pocono Mountains (800poconos.com), a long-time favorite driving destination for travelers and outdoor enthusiasts, expects a positive upcoming summer season due to the mix of new attractions and the focus on close-to-home travel with the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau's (PMVB) summer advertising campaign launched mid-May. Results have already shown 800poconos.com web traffic significantly up across the board, as well as increased "likes" generated for @PoconoTourism on Facebook and dozens of "Life's Greater Than" icons entered into the Greater Maker contest.

"On the heels of an early start to the spring season, this summer looks to be a one of our best yet, with good weather and effective advertising, the Pocono Mountains is poised to have increases in overall economic impact and visitation," stated Carl Wilgus, president and CEO of the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau. "Our location, 90 minutes from New York City and two hours from Philadelphia, is positioned well for a close-to-home, value-laden summer destination."

The region is experiencing an abundance of new additions. Outdoor adventure opportunities are expanding, with the new 4,000 foot zip-flyer at CBK Mountain Adventures already in operation and the new mountain coaster to open mid-July. Camelbeach and CBK Mountain Adventures are already 10,000 visits ahead of last year and look to be on the verge of having a record breaking summer. Mount Airy Casino Resort debuts a brand new, golf clubhouse and Summer Concert Series and a jam-packed lineup of celebrity appearances, including New Jersey Housewife, Teresa Giudice. More adventure sport races are scheduled bringing in tens of thousands of visitors, including Hero Rush, Ragnar Relay and the Ironman 70.3 Pocono Mountains.

Summer travel outlook for the Pocono Mountains is on par with projections from AAA Travel Services as 42.3 million Americans are projected to journey 50 miles or more from home during the Independence Day holiday weekend, a 4.9 percent increase over last year. The Pocono Mountains is 75 miles from Philadelphia and New York City. The expected 2012 Independence Day holiday travel volume will tie the past decade's previous high mark set in 2007 and represents a near 42 percent increase from 2009. The Independence Day holiday travel period is defined as Tuesday, July 3 to Sunday, July 8.

Pocono Mountains resorts and attractions are also reporting higher numbers than last year and anxious for a successful summer season.

Cove Haven Entertainment Resorts anticipates a strong summer with high profile entertainment and adventure packages.
Woodloch Resort is pacing about the same as last year, with many summer weeks at full capacity.
The Lodge at Woodloch has been growing and anticipates further growth through the summer.
Pocono Raceway ticket sales for both NASCAR race weekends are up over last year.
Inn at Pocono Manor foresees exceeding last year's budget, while golf is off to a great start with their centennial celebration.
Bushkill Falls reports higher tickets sales than last year and looks for continued growth with the opening of their new concession stands.

To learn more about summer happenings in the Pocono Mountains, visit 800poconos.com.

About the Pocono Mountains | Any time of year is a good time to visit the Pocono Mountains, located within driving distance of most major East Coast cities. This region teeming with history offers year-round cultural tours and art exhibitions, abundant antiquing and brand-name shopping and a full calendar of festivals showcasing the heritage, music and food of the Pocono Mountains. Even the most discerning traveler will find comfortable accommodations in the Pocono Mountains, which offers an eclectic mix of resorts, distinctive properties and quaint, country inns and bed and breakfasts.

Pocono Mountains visitor information is available online at 800poconos.com or by phone at 800-POCONOS (800-762-6667). Follow PoconoTourism on Facebook and Twitter to stay current with up-to-date information. Established in 1934, the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau is a private, non-profit, membership organization. The Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau is the official destination marketing organization for the four counties of Carbon, Monroe, Pike and Wayne in northeastern Pennsylvania, striving to promote, educate and attract visitors to the beautiful Pocono Mountains. Additionally, the Bureau aims to keep its' members abreast to the latest in regulation, changes in the industry and business development in the Pocono Mountains.

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