MONROE COUNTY -- Our leaders in Harrisburg had not only economic development but also tourism in mind when they officially unveiled the state's new slogan, "Pennsylvania: Pursue Your Happiness."
It's no secret that the Poconos relies on tourism. Just last year, this region had more than 25 million visitors stop by.
This new slogan has resorts and other tourism leaders thinking happy thoughts.
From sliding down slopes to big splashdowns, the Pocono Mountains thrive on tourism.
The state rolled out a new simple slogan to drive tourism across the commonwealth.
"Pennsylvania: Pursue Your Happiness" is based on life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness from the Declaration of Independence.
"We're really accessible so having something that links us to the rest of the state is really great for everybody involved. It kind of helps us work as a team across the entire state," said Elizabeth Richardson, Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau.
Fernwood Resort offers fun in the treetops and on the tubing hill and has high hopes this rebranding is coming at the right time before spring and summer vacations.
"This attention, it's on the internet, the announcements are made, people say, 'Oh, I didn't realize that' or 'I didn't think of that,' so it's a great opportunity for us," said Gina Bertucci, Fernwood Resort spokeswoman.
Resort officials also say it's refreshing to see the state invest in an industry that brought in $3 billion to the Poconos just last year.
"Tourism is doing great; we're spending lots of money, but the state of Pennsylvania is not investing in it as much, so hopefully this will bring people's attention back to it," Bertucci added.
Wineries in the Poconos are raising a glass to Pennsylvania's new slogan as well, hoping it's good for business.
They hopes the slogan catches on, a slogan all resorts, communities, and businesses can back.
The Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau plans to continue promoting the Poconos the way it has in the past but is very excited to see what this new slogan can do for this tourist region.
The state could not tell us whether the old "State of Independence" slogan on all the "Welcome to Pennsylvania" signs will now be changed.
Some travelers in Susquehanna County had mixed reactions to the new slogan.
