HARRISBURG PA – National Travel and Tourism Week, an annual event established by the U.S. Travel Association, is being observed through May 9 (2026; Saturday) by all 14 Pennsylvania-operated welcome centers on major highways statewide. Each is holding special events for visitors.
The 14 centers include three in the state’s southeastern region. They are located on:
- Interstate 276 in King of Prussia, Montgomery County;
- Interstate 78 in Easton, Northampton County; and
- Interstate 95 in Linwood, Delaware County.
The centers, assisted by what the state calls its tourism partners, are inviting guests to see displays, gather information from booths and tables, and return to their cars with give-aways. Those partners include state and national parks and museums, and privately-owned Pennsylvania tourism attractions.
All hope to draw the public to their venues, during a year that promises to attract 209 million travelers from beyond the state’s borders.
Tourism officials say guests are headed toward “global sporting and cultural moments” being held across the commonwealth. On the list are the NFL Draft, PGA Championship, FIFA World Cup, MLB All-Star Series, and the state’s celebration of America’s 250th birthday.
For many of them, the welcome centers operated by the state Department of Transportation (PennDOT) will be their first stop in Pennsylvania.
PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll says the agency’s welcome center teams are “rolling out the red carpet for visitors from around the world.” State employees are “ready to help travelers make the most of their visit” here, Carroll adds.
Welcome centers are open seven days a week, including most holidays, from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Their trained “tourist information counselors” can answer questions and provide suggestions about regional attractions. They also offer complimentary tourism services, like the ability to make lodging and restaurant reservations.
Last year, the centers assisted an estimated 2.6 million visitors.
Photo and graphic provided by PennDOT
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