Luzerne County-Tourist Haven? (Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Pittston: hotel, wages, jobs)

[W-B proud]

In a report today by the Wilkes-Barre Times Leader, a state commissioned report shows that Luzerne County leads our 10-county region in tourism related jobs, wages, and spending related to tourism! And Luzerne County leads the entire state in hotel revenue growth. Who knew? Luzerne County beat out both Lackawanna County, and even Monroe County in the heart of the Pocono's (which I found very surprising) since Lackawanna County spends a ton of money on tourism related advertising, " Lackawanna Wonderful", and Chris Doherty on every TV chanel boosting about Scranton's attributes. I honestly thought Luzerne County would be close to the bottom of the list, if not dead last, because this county does practically nothing to promote tourism (as far as I have seen) Well, it's great to finally get some good news in a county that always seems to have a dark cloud over it! Way to go Luzerne County!!!!

[wilkes-barretruestory]

The uptick in tourism is due to the casino (MS), and in many instances, casinos = seniors spending their gov't checks and then complaining that they need a cost-of-living increase added to their government checks so they can afford their medications, because they spent their money at the casinos.

[SifuPhil]

Originally Posted by wilkes-barretruestory

The uptick in tourism is due to the casino (MS), and in many instances, casinos ...

I find it hard to believe that the local casino(s) has any but mostly locals visiting it. Why would anyone from outside the area come here, when with an extra hour or so bus ride they could be in AC?

Although the casino WAS my first thought, too - what else COULD it be?

[W-B proud]

Originally Posted by SifuPhil

I find it hard to believe that the local casino(s) has any but mostly locals visiting it. Why would anyone from outside the area come here, when with an extra hour or so bus ride they could be in AC?

Although the casino WAS my first thought, too - what else COULD it be?

You must facture in that Luzerne is the largest county (population and square mileage) in the ten county region, but still Luzerne County doesn't spend anything on marketing and advertising as compared to Monroe and Lackawanna counties. Also, we have alot of state and county parks like Ricketts Glen, Frances Slocum, Moon Lake and others that probably attract alot of big city residents looking for nature settings. Anyway, this is great news for the county that is usually a laughing stock, and gets no respect.

[ScranBarre]

I live just up Highway 315 from Mohegan Sun in Pittston Township, and I've definitely noticed an increase in out-of-state license plates since the casino's opening. Just wait until later this year when that large new expansion is completed with the vineyard (proudly selling West Pittston's iGourmet products may I add), Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, Johnny Rocket's, etc. Highway 315 in Pittston Township is currently a nightmare because of this endless construction project at the Oak/Keystone intersection, but even without the construction traffic still backs up as well. I can't pull up to one red light around here without spotting a NJ, NY, CT, or a surprisingly increasing number of VA plates. Luzerne County certainly is booming again.