The study also found heritage tourism in Pennsylvania generated $1.34 billion in wages and salaries; 69,752 jobs; and $617 million in taxes. These figures reflect the direct, indirect and induced economic effects of heritage tourism spending.

�Intuitively, we knew the Commonwealth�s rich heritage was a key component to our tourism economy, but we didn�t know how significant it was until now,� Oliver said. �This impact far exceeds anyone�s expectations.� The study, prepared by DK Shifflet Associates of McLean, Virginia, surveyed 1,700 travelers who visited Pennsylvania in 1997 to determine the economic impact of heritage tourism.  For the purposes of the study, heritage tourism was defined as an overnight or 50-mile one-way trip taken primarily to visit historic, cultural, or natural/scenic attractions to learn about the past in an enjoyable way.  The study was prepared for DCNR, in partnership with the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED); the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC); Preservation Pennsylvania; the Federation of Museums and Historical Organizations; and the State Heritage Park Interagency Task Force.

�Pennsylvania�s historic communities not only sustain the treasures of our past, but as this study shows, they offer economic benefits as well,� said Caroline Boyce of Preservation Pennsylvania. �Our quality of life and economic prosperity go hand in hand.�

Almost half of all leisure travelers participated in some form of heritage tourism activity during their trips.  �Today, niche travel, which includes heritage tourism, cultural tourism, rural tourism and eco-tourism, is the most popular type of travel,� said Barbara Chaffee, DCED deputy secretary of tourism and marketing.  �Pennsylvania�s abundant and diverse resources make Pennsylvania a more attractive place to visit, as demonstrated by these findings.�

The majority of heritage travelers -- 61 percent�came from outside Pennsylvania. New York and New Jersey were the primary states of origin followed by Maryland, Ohio and Virginia. 

Being close to home, having a wide variety of activities available and having beautiful landscapes and scenery were top reasons for visiting.  National, state and locally operated historic sites got high marks from heritage travelers who, as a group, were quite satisfied with their visits to these attractions and to the state�s system of heritage parks. 

�As a whole, our historic places and heritage regions give the visitors a good sense for the importance Pennsylvania played in the birth and growth of the nation,� PHMC Executive Director Dr. Brent Glass said.  �Interest in learning more about our heritage never has been higher.� On average, heritage travelers are married, middle-aged, middle-income and white-collar professionals who travel with their children or in groups of multiple adults. In 1997, heritage travelers spent $102 per person per day compared to Pennsylvania leisure travelers who averaged $73 per person per day.  The survey is part of a larger research study, which includes an already completed companion survey on outdoor recreation tourism and an analysis of sprawl costs in Pennsylvania. The surveys were funded by the Richard King Mellon Foundation of Pittsburgh.

Oliver noted that the recent outdoor recreation survey combined with this new information on heritage travel, shows that outdoor and historical assets play a significant role in Pennsylvania�s tourism industry. More than 30 percent of all leisure visits can be attributed to outdoor and heritage travel.

The companion surveys also found a crossover of activities. About 58 percent of all heritage travelers also participated in outdoor recreation during their trip. 

To find a copy of the study by visiting DCNR through the Pennsylvania website at www.state.pa.us or directly at www.dcnr.state.pa.us (choose What�s New.) A copy also can be obtained by writing DCNR at: Heritage Tourism Study, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation, PO Box 8475, Harrisburg, PA 17105.