Special Awards and Valued Partners Were Honored


POCONO MOUNTAINS, Pa., – October 23, 2014 – The Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau (PMVB) held their Annual Report Luncheon for the 2013-14 fiscal year earlier today at Blue Mountain Resort. The event highlighted the accomplishments and actions over the past year, while also acknowledging regional individuals and partners who contribute to the success of Pocono Mountains (PoconoMountains.com) tourism.

The 2013-14 annual report showcased the many successes of the PMVB. As technology continues to evolve, the PMVB strives to keep up, and as traffic to PoconoMountains.com increases from mobile devices, a new mobile website was launched to provide visitors with a more sophisticated and rich mobile experience. The user-friendly design is optimized for larger screens and makes better use of visual elements for navigation.

The PMVB’s social media channels continued to grow as the fan base not only increased, but also became more engaged with the destination. The award winning #TakeONPocono Instagram campaign garnered user-generated content that can be reutilized in promotion of the region. The Adventure Sports phenomenon continues to grow in the Pocono Mountains as the region played host to more than 20 outdoor adventure races bringing over 30,000 athletes. The Jim Thorpe Visitors Center was renovated and now gives guests a more visual experience as they learn of the town’s events and happenings.

In addition to marketing the Pocono Mountains to visitors, the PMVB has continued to advocate the importance of tourism to the economy of the region. Nearly 35% of the workforce in the four-county region is employed in the tourism and hospitality industry and generates almost half of the labor income.

“Through the use of social media and mobile platforms along with our marketing campaigns, we are able to not only reach visitors but really interact with them, This engagement has proven effective,” said Carl Wilgus, President and CEO of the PMVB. “Our efforts will continue to grow as our region continues to grow. This was a great year for the Pocono Mountains, and we have very high hopes for the next year.”

The total revenue for the 2013-14 was $5,935,743, an increase over the past fiscal year.

Furthermore, the luncheon recognized the following Pocono Mountains tourism partners and individuals for their efforts and dedication in supporting the PMVB and Pocono Mountains tourism in general: Jim Thorpe Window Cleaning, the Carbon County Commissioners, Johnny Carawan of the National Park Service, Cove Pocono Resorts and WPIX. These valued partners have helped to promote the sustainability of the Pocono Mountains as a tourism destination.

The event ended with the last award given to the sixth recipient of the Gail V. Sterrett Marketing Award. Eric Lansberry, marketing manager at Cove Pocono Resorts, was chosen for his dedication, hard work, high standards and professionalism in the marketing field that mirrored Sterrett’s passion for her work. The award is given annually in memory of Gail V. Sterrett, past marketing director of the PMVB for nearly 25 years, whose life was tragically cut short in February 2009.

To obtain a copy of this year’s Annual Report, please visit PoconoMountains.com/annualreport.

About the Pocono Mountains
Pocono Mountains visitor information is available online at PoconoMountains.com or by phone at 800-POCONOS (800-762-6667). Follow PoconoTourism on Facebook and Twitter to stay current with up-to-date information. Established in 1934, the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau is a private, non-profit, membership organization. The Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau is the official destination marketing organization for the four counties of Carbon, Monroe, Pike and Wayne in northeastern Pennsylvania. Additionally, the Bureau aims to keep its’ members abreast to the latest in regulation, changes in the industry and business development in the Pocono Mountains.

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