New data shows increase in Centre County visitors, visitor spending in 2024
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- Centre County recorded 5.1 million visitors and $1 billion in 2024 spending.
- Outdoor recreation, return visits and solo travel saw notable growth trends.
- HVAB invested in website and social media efforts for increased tourism impact.
A new study released Monday revealed an increase in overall tourism and visitor-spending numbers in Centre County during 2024.
According to the report, which was conducted by Longwoods International, there were 5.1 million person-visits last year — about a 300,000-person increase since 2022. This led to a record of $1 billion in visitor spending, including increases of $50 million in day-trip spending and $96 million in overnight spending.
Centre County was above the national average in visitors who participated in outdoor recreation and sporting activities during their trip. Happy Valley Adventure Bureau (HVAB) President and CEO Fritz Smith said in a release that the area is “a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts.”
“We see this as an area of continued growth, as we have amazing community partners in the outdoor recreation space who are dedicated to improving opportunities and access while being equally committed to sustaining our natural resources for the future,” Smith said.
The report also showed an increase in solo, couple and friend-group travel, but a decrease in overall party size and in those who traveled with children. Additionally, there was a 13% increase in return visitors compared to 2022, as 64% of overnight visitors returned within the same year.
Centre County was also above average in marketing to visitors, which Smith attributed to HVAB’s investment into its website and social media platforms. He said the report shows an overall “upward trajectory” for Happy Valley tourism.
“The tourism landscape is constantly changing and always presenting a mix of opportunities and challenges,” Smith said. “Working with our members, partners and community stakeholders, The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau is focused on capitalizing on this momentum for the benefit of our local economy, and those who live and do business here.”
