The Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board (VFTCB) gathered 200 members and guests at Huntingdon Valley Country Club Tuesday for a travel rally to promote tourism in the county and highlight the board’s new initiatives. The rally coincided with the board’s third annual Destination Montco Golf Classic and was held in conjunction with National Travel & Tourism Week, a nationwide, annual salute to travel and tourism organized by the U.S. Travel & Tourism Association.

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In keeping with the Travel Association’s 2018 theme, Travel Now and Then, the VFTCB shared statistics, updates, photos, and stories highlighting the county’s dramatic change in economics, employment, and attractions throughout the years. In 2016, tourism spending in Montgomery County reached $1.5 billion.

“Tourism is huge here in Montco , and the numbers we shared today show that,” said Mike Bowman, VFTCB President & CEO. “Travel Rally Day is our chance to thank our members for all they do to bring visitors to the area and keep them coming back for more time and time again.”

Attendees were the first to view the VFTCB’s new “We’re Ready” summer TV commercial showcasing tourism attractions across the county as well as a video to promote the VFTCB’s summer hotel package featuring Montgomery County mascots. Travel Rally Day also introduced the launch of the VFTCB’s newest initiative – Montco Makers, which promotes the county’s wineries, breweries, and distilleries and features 20 locations across the county. A dedicated webpage and interactive app allows guests and residents to plan, explore, and support these local businesses. The VFTCB also announced that Workhorse Brewery, set to open in King of Prussia in late summer, will create a Montco-themed beer, the proceeds of which will benefit the VFTCB’s Valley Forge Freedom From Hunger food drive.

“I am pleased to be here today in support of the Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board and the important work they do to drive a strong economy in the county and promote the region as a destination,” said Montgomery County Board of Commissioners Chair Dr. Valerie Arkoosh. “The board continues to develop innovative and exciting programs to promote the county and I’m thrilled they continue to roll out new initiatives,” she said.

In conjunction with the third annual Montco Golf Classic that welcomed 150 golfers across 27 holes of championship golf, the VFTCB unveiled the second annual Montco Golf Guide in partnership with Sports Illustrated. The guide features the county’s 53 golf courses, as well as interviews with local players. It also highlights the historic host course, Huntingdon Valley Country Club, which is approaching its 130^th birthday, and is ranked among Golf Week’s Top 100 Classic Courses. In addition to being distributed at the Travel Rally, the guide is sent to more than 10,000 golfers within a 120-mile radius to encourage out-of-town golfers to play and stay in Montgomery County.

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