Photo provided to the Times Observer The Warren County Visitors Bureau is recognizing National Travel & Tourism Week.

This week is National Travel & Tourism Week, and this year’s theme is “Travel Forward.”

“The theme of ‘Travel Forward’ is such a great one, particularly on the heels of the pandemic,” Warren County Visitors Bureau Executive Director Casey Ferry said. “People are excitedly getting back into traveling, whether it’s around the world or just an hour or two away from home. We are ready to move full-steam ahead in promoting Warren County, its beauty, and its assets.”

The week was established in 1983 and this marks the 40th year of its commemoration. Through that time, tourism and outdoor recreation have become increasingly important elements of the county’s economy. Ferry cited data that shows outdoor recreation is No. 1 in what young adults are looking for in selecting a destination “and is the No. 1 reason tourists come to Warren County.”

“As Warren County’s officially designated Tourism Promotion Agency, we take our job seriously and work with great pride as we show off Warren County’s assets,” Ferry said. “National Travel and Tourism Week is a special time to really focus on what we do and make plans as we move ahead.”

The WCVB has several special promotions set for the week. On a state-wide level, they’ve sent more Exploration Guides (formerly called visitors guides) to PA Welcome Centers.

On a more local basis, they plan to make special mention of attractions and communities in the county on social media this week. Also, anyone who stops into the Starbrick building this week and mentions National Travel & Tourism Week will receive a free promotional item.

“Tourism is our thing,” Ferry said. “It’s what we do. It’s our focus. It’s our mission. We are proud to be Warren County’s Tourism Promotion Agency and want to utilize this week as a chance to give another shot in the arm to local tourism.”