Tourism in Montgomery County set records in 2023, the Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board told a sold-out crowd at its annual luncheon on Oct. 26.
The tourism agency released its 2024 Annual Report, highlighting the economic impact of the hospitality industry in the county — and shared an optimistic outlook with the 650 attendees.
In the report, which had the theme of “Possible,” the agency said tourism continues to be a key driver in Montgomery County’s economy — the third largest county in Pennsylvania. Visitor spending in 2023 generated $1.7 billion, an almost 7% increase from the previous year, according to Tourism Economics. That spending led to an overall $2.4 billion economic impact in Montgomery County. The industry contributed to 41,000 jobs in the county, the agency reported.
“As we look ahead to 2026, I’m incredibly proud of the team for making what once seemed impossible a reality,” Mike Bowman, Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board president and CEO, said in a statement. “This record-breaking year is a testament to our dedication, innovation, and unwavering commitment to the tourism industry in Montco.”
In reporting achievements for the fiscal year, the tourism board said the hotels in Montgomery County — representing 9,500 rooms — continue to lead the suburban market with an average daily rate of $133. The properties produced more than $208 million in hotel room revenue, which represents an increase of 3% year-over-year increase, according to Lisa Karl, Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board vice president of sales and strategic partnerships.
Valley Forge Sports is another tourism area setting a record year, exceeding 100,000 room nights, hosting 20 new events and experiencing 6% growth year-over-year, the agency reported.
During the luncheon, guests heard from Eric Chaves, director of business operations, PGA Tour about the Truist Championship, a PGA TOUR Signature Event being held in May 2025 at the Philadelphia Cricket Club’s Wissahickon Course. The tourism board reported that during the event, an estimated 40,000 are expected to stay in area hotels, dine at area restaurants, and explore Montgomery County — driving economic growth.
Meg Kane, Host City Executive for Philadelphia Soccer 2026, shared information about the FIFA World Cup 2026 Philadelphia.
In addition, Chris Branscome, chief executive officer, of Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer, shared that the US Youth Soccer Eastern Presidents Cup Championship will return to Montgomery County in 2025. The tournament features 15 state champions competing for a spot in the national finals. The tournament was last held in Montgomery County in June 2023, generating 5,000 room nights and $5 million in economic impact, the agency reported at its 2023 annual luncheon.
The keynote speaker for the event was Mick Ebeling, founder of Not Impossible Labs, who spoke to the event’s theme, and how “everything as we know it was once impossible, until it became possible,” according to a press release. Ebeling was named by Fortune Magazine as a Top 50 World’s Greatest Leaders, is a recipient of the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian of the Year Award and is listed as one of the world’s most influential creative people by The Creativity 50’s.
Rachel Riley, Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board’s vice president of marketing and communications told attendees about several tourism board marketing campaigns that covered a wide range of interests. Those campaigns, she reported, resulted in more than 33 million impressions, and almost 210,000 clicks. The tourism board’s website, valleyforge.org, saw more than 1.4 million page views this year, with 600,000 new users — up 100,000 over last year — and record email subscribers.
In addition, the agency reported that Visit Valley Forge’s following on social media has grown to more than 240,000 with millions of video views. The agency also reported it has seen more than 1,300 editorial mentions — No. 1 in the region — with a reach of more than 2.1 billion to date.
During the luncheon Friday, the agency presented its first recipient of the Paul Decker and Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board Scholarship. Montgomery County resident and U.S. Marine Corps veteran Christopher MacWilliams was awarded the scholarship to Montgomery County Community College.
The luncheon was held at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks, in Upper Providence, Montgomery County.
