With a theme of “Possible”, the VFTCB released its 2024 Annual Report highlighting the positive economic impact of the hospitality industry in Montco. Tourism continues to be a key driver of the economy, contributing to 41,000 jobs, in the third largest county in Pennsylvania. In 2023, visitor spending generated $1.7 billion, an almost 7% increase from the previous year, according to Tourism Economics. This led to an overall $2.4 billion economic impact in Montco.
“As we look ahead to 2026, I’m incredibly proud of the team for making what once seemed impossible a reality,” said VFTCB President & CEO, Mike Bowman. “This record-breaking year is a testament to our dedication, innovation, and unwavering commitment to the tourism industry in Montco!”
Montgomery County hotels are leading the suburban market with an average daily rate of $133, and producing over $208 million in hotel room revenue, a 3% year-over-year increase, according to Lisa Karl, VFTCB Vice President of Sales & Strategic Partnerships. Additionally, Valley Forge Sports is having another record year, exceeding 100,000 room nights, 20 new events hosted, and a 6%cv overall growth year-over-year.
Guests celebrated with networking, entertainment by EBE Ibiza, hors d’oeuvres from Italian food and dining emporium coming soon to the King of Prussia Mall – Eataly, and other vendors, and photo opportunities including an interactive activation that invited attendees to share personal things they believed were once impossible, turned possible, to kick off the event. The Valley Forge Military Academy & College Regimental Band performed the National Anthem, and an after party at nearby amusement center, Arnold’s, also took place.
Named by Fortune Magazine as a Top 50 World’s Greatest Leaders, a recipient of the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian of the Year Award and listed as one of the world’s most influential creative people by The Creativity 50’s, event guest speaker and Founder of Not Impossible labs, Mick Ebeling, spoke to the event’s theme, and how everything as we know it was once impossible, until it became possible.
Meg Kane, Host City Executive for Philadelphia Soccer 2026, touched on what the region can expect during FIFA World Cup 2026 Philadelphia.
Eric Chaves, Director of Business Operations, PGA Tour, provided an update ahead of the Truist Championship, a PGA TOUR Signature Event, that will take place at the Philadelphia Cricket Club’s Wissahickon Course in May 2025. An anticipated almost 40,000 visitors will stay in local hotels, dine at area restaurants, and explore what this great community has to offer, driving economic growth.
Additionally, Chris Branscome, Chief Executive Officer, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer, announced the return of the US Youth Soccer Eastern Presidents Cup Championship to Montco in 2025. This is one of the most prestigious youth tournaments with 15 state champions competing for a spot in the national finals.
The VFTCB’s Vice President of Marketing & Communications, Rachel Riley, reported on several marketing campaigns promoting everything from date nights and affordability, family-friendly fun to dining, America250 and beer, that garnered more than 33 million impressions, and almost 210,000 clicks. The VFTCB’s website saw over 1.4 million pageviews this year, with 600,000 new users, and record email subscribers.
Visit Valley Forge’s social following has grown to more than 240,000 with millions of video views and the VFTCB has seen more than 1,300 editorial mentions – no. 1 in the region – with a reach of more than 2.1 billion to date.
The first-ever recipient of the Paul Decker and Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board Scholarship, Montco resident and United States Marine Corps veteran, Christopher MacWilliams, was awarded the scholarship to Montgomery County Community College and honored at the event as well.
Tags: Eric Chaves, PGA Tour, Rachel Riley, Mike Bowman, VFTCB