Butler County tourism income sees jump of over $100 million in 2024
Tourists flocked to Butler County last year to sample all that it has to offer.
According to figures released on Thursday, Sept. 18, by Experience Butler County total visitor spending in the county totaled about $766.6 million, exceeding the 2023 amount by more than $100 million.
Amy Pack, president of Experience Butler County, attributed the increase in part to an increasing desire for weekend travel destinations.
“I think there are a lot of weekend travelers,” Pack said. “They're taking trips to a lot of off-city destinations to take in small towns and historic sites and festivals and things like that. I just think there’s a great appetite for travel right now and Butler County meets a lot of people's needs for getting away.”
The 2024 numbers reflected increases in all five major tourism categories: food and beverage ($178.2 million spent, 14% increase), retail ($131.2 million spent, 12% increase), lodging ($79.6 million spent, 7% increase), recreation ($151.7 million spent, 13% increase) and transportation ($225.9 million spent, a 23% increase).
“A lot of that is purchasing gas,” Pack said. “People taking those weekend trips are filling up their gas tank more. More people are purchasing gas when they're in our county and it shows that they're really moving around the county as well.”
Pack says she expects the overall numbers for Butler County to increase again in 2025 due to the county’s proximity to June’s U.S. Open golf tournament venue, Oakmont Country Club in nearby Allegheny County.
“We continue to grow every year and expect all areas of spending to increase,” Pack said. “We hope people come to the county more often and stay longer, giving them time to shop, dine and explore the sights and activities we offer.”
