A Conversation With: Christopher Barrett, president and CEO of the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau

LVB: How important is tourism to employment in the Poconos?  

Barrett: Approximately 35% of all individuals employed in the Pocono Mountains are in a tourism or hospitality related occupation which provides 43% of the region’s labor income. The industry provides $4.2 Billion in direct economic benefit to the region and $849 Million in Federal, State and Local taxes.       

LVB: What kinds of jobs are provided by the tourism industry?  

Barrett: The job spectrum is multi-faceted. Some of the jobs are entry level and some are at the executive level. Most involve interaction with the public to one degree or another. A good representation of the jobs our industry offers can be found at Poconomountians.com/jobs.    

LVB: How has tourism employment changed over the years?  

Barrett: The industry has changed with the introduction of new technologies. For example, touchless systems proliferated during COVID, and that innovation continues. Also, COVID seems to have changed the landscape in the sense that our prospective guests value their leisure time much more than in the past. Also, remote work has led to greater vacation planning flexibility.   

LVB: Have resorts and other tourist attractions in the Poconos started recovering from the losses during the pandemic?  

Barrett: Fortunately, yes. 2021 was a solid year for travel in the Pocono Mountains. Guests have discovered and rediscovered the Poconos. It is much the same throughout the State of Pennsylvania.