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Summer: A Successful Tourist Season in the Poconos

MONROE COUNTY — Fern Beacher moved from Scranton to Stroudsburg a few years back. The reason? There was so much to do and see, especially in the summer ti...

MONROE COUNTY -- Fern Beacher moved from Scranton to Stroudsburg a few years back. The reason? There was so much to do and see, especially in the summer time. So she wasn't surprised to hear that tourist numbers for this year are up.

"I think it is a good spot to come down and there is a lot of beautiful spots to go to. You got Shawnee, you got Camelback, Stroudsburg is very historical, too," said Fern Beacher, Stroudsburg.

According to the Pocono Mountain Visitors Bureau, this past summer is one for the books and tourist numbers are up.

"It was I think in all manners, shapes, and forms a record year for hospitality and tourism industry and with August being our most busy month, our most important month it was an outstanding season for us," said Carl Wilgus, Pocono Mountain Visitors Bureau President.

People who live here in the Poconos believe the warm weather we had this summer is the reason so many tourists came to visit. Last year it was cold and rainy, but this year it was hot and dry, so more people were able to get outside.

"I think that attracts a lot of people when it's nice out," said Erica Mastro Giovanni, Bangor.

Peter Ferguson owns a bed and breakfast near Marshalls Creek. He thinks it's nice to see people coming here to the Poconos instead of the bigger cities.

"This area of the world has struggled so it certainly is a step in the right direction," said Peter Ferguson, Stony Brook Inn owner.

Outdoor parks and resorts also saw some big numbers.

Camelbeach Water Park had a good summer with thousands of visitors each day.

Shawnee Resort also celebrating a successful season.

"It's all here. At Shawnee, we have the Delaware River, Appalachian Trail, and all sorts of different dining opportunities, and just down the road we have partners who have water parks and other amenities for our guests which is wonderful," said Jeromy Wo, Shawnee Resort marketing director.

Official summer tourist numbers won't be in for a few more weeks.

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