Visit Bucks County Reports Record Tourism Numbers, Honors Hospitality Workers

Visit Bucks County honored local hospitality workers and organizations earlier this month during the National Travel and Tourism Week award celebration at Washington Crossing Historic Park in Upper Makefield Township.

The annual event showed off the economic and community impact of the tourism and travel industry in the county.

Business, nonprofit, and government officials from across Bucks County and the tourism sector nominated this year’s honorees for their contributions to the visitor experience.

Bucks County Commissioner Bob Harvie and Visit Bucks County staff presented the awards.

“We thank the Visit Bucks County Staff, Board of Directors and everyone in the tourism industry for your dedication,” Harvie said. “We are proud to support an industry that drives economic growth and strengthens community.”

During the ceremony, Visit Bucks County President and CEO Paul Bencivengo and Board Chair Doug Miller, who also serves as the site director for Pennsbury Manor, shared tourism data.

Bencivengo announced that Bucks County matched its previous record-breaking performance by welcoming 8.4 million visitors in 2025.

The visitors generated $1.3 billion in economic impact, which marked one of the strongest tourism economies in the county’s history.

Bencivengo added that the local hospitality workforce grew to 29,397 jobs in 2025.

Visit Bucks County reported an increase in social media engagement and audience in 2025, with 25 million video views.

The Bucks County Tourism Grant Program awarded $597,463 to 58 local tourism-related projects.

Visit Bucks County’s van-based mobile visitor center reported making 30 stops last year and traveled more than 3,300 miles.

Looking forward to 2026, Bencivengo said the tourism agency is positioning the county as a hub for major regional events, including America’s 250th anniversary and big sporting events.

The agency is launching a new video campaign focused on the seasons of Bucks County and the seasons of life.

The creative campaign will target markets including New York, Northern New Jersey, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, Lebanon, Lancaster, and York to promote overnight getaways, Bencivengo said.

The 2026 Visit Bucks County Travel and Tourism Week Award honorees are: 

• Guest Service Excellence Award: Kelly Hendrickson, Fox and Hound Bed & Breakfast of New Hope. 
  This award goes to a frontline staff member with a positive attitude who goes the extra mile to help visitors and interact with customers on a daily basis. 
• Hospitality Leadership Award: Anne Corso, Michener Art Museum. 
  This award honors an individual who has made significant contributions to the tourism and hospitality industry, ultimately increasing visitation to Bucks County. 
• Rising Star Award: Sarah Dils, River House at Odette’s. 
  This award recognizes a young professional who is already making a meaningful impact and demonstrates strong potential for a career in the tourism and hospitality industry. 
• Tourism Innovation Award: Spirits on Mill – Bucks County Ghost Tours. 
  This award honors a business/organization who implements new and creative ways to bring visitors to Bucks County. 
• Visit Bucks County Award: Robin Butrey and Nicholas Rizzo, Grundy Museum; Shirley Lee Corsey, Gather Place; and Christine Hensel Triantos, Peddler’s Village. 
  These awards honor individuals who are dedicated to promoting tourism and hospitality in Bucks County.
• Visit Bucks County Scholarship: Benjamin Mockenhaupt, senior at Holy Ghost Preparatory School. 
  The scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate leadership, community engagement, and a strong interest in the tourism and hospitality sector. By investing in the next generation of hospitality professionals, Visit Bucks County aims to cultivate future industry leaders and support the continued growth and vitality of the region’s tourism economy. This was the first year the scholarship was awarded.

Visit Bucks County is the official tourism promotion agency for the county and is partly funded by lodging tax revenue.