Centre County's Green Phase: Tourism Outlook and Summer Visitation Prospects
Centre County's transition to the green phase is welcome news amid ongoing COVID-19 concerns. While we're not fully out of the woods yet, the reopening of businesses—with capacity restrictions and enhanced safety protocols—marks a vital step toward normalcy. Local restaurants, retail shops, lodging, and attractions have implemented rigorous new procedures to prevent virus spread and protect visitors.
Even in the green phase, uncertainties persist: How long will 50% capacity limits last? Will customers return quickly? What will visits feel like under social distancing? As travel and tourism fuel our local economy, what does green mean for summer visitation?
The answer remains a 'wait-and-see' for now, with the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau (HVAB) pausing its outbound marketing campaign for a few more weeks.
Positive signs are emerging in tournament activity after spring cancellations. The 2020 Miller High Life Softball Tournament runs July 3-5 at Hess and Oak Hall fields, followed by the 2020 ASA Girls Fast Pitch Softball Tournament on July 10-12. Basketball and wrestling groups are eyeing fall and winter events here, and the HVAB is collaborating on more. Looking to 2021, Happy Valley attracts many athletic organizers. These events boost hotel stays and restaurant visits.
Like broader economic recovery, leisure travel will ramp up gradually. Surveys from the Pennsylvania Tourism Office and Longwoods International predict robust resumption by spring 2021.
For this summer, optimism grows for travel over the next six weeks. Locals and visitors are testing comfort levels at restaurants and attractions, favoring nearby trips and weighing personal risks. They'll demand clear info on destination safety and business protocols. Visible cleanliness and distancing are essential, with marketing emphasizing security and control.
Mindset research indicates high post-COVID expectations: Even without restrictions, precautions like those from quarantine will linger.
The HVAB actively promotes businesses' commitment to safety and guest experience. Happy Valley attractions report visitors seeking safe escapes from isolation, drawn to Centre County's trusted environment. We're confident guests can enjoy Moshannon Valley, Bald Eagle Valley, Penns Valley, Nittany Valley, and beyond—happy and healthy. As Centre County's official destination marketing organization, the HVAB and our hospitality partners stand ready.
