A look at year-end 2024 data shows that Centre County was the fastest growing tourism economy in the state.
Tourism = Economic Power: The Future of Happy Valley’s Growth
Tourism is on track to become the leading economic driver of our region. More visitors are coming to experience Penn State’s year-round events, outdoor recreation, business travel opportunities, and the entrepreneurial ecosystem that makes Happy Valley a destination beyond just game days.
A look at year-end 2024 data shows that Centre County was the fastest growing tourism economy in the state. Once again, based on hotel performance, Happy Valley led the state in Revenue Per Available Room improvement, which is a key lodging metric. The 2024 gain was 8.6 percent. It was 16.5 percent in 2023. Centre County is now ranked No. 11 in the state overall in hotel room revenue, just a few million dollars shy of the No. 10 spot. (The county has made up more than 80 percent of the deficit to the 10th spot since 2022, which demonstrates significant growth over the past few years.) The top 10 is well within reach and a target for the next few years as the area adds inventory.
