Tourism Brought $2.5 Billion To Montco In 2025, As Leaders Tout America 250 Boon

WHITEMARSH, PA — Tourism brought more than $2.5 billion into Montgomery County in 2025, the Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board announced this week, as officials prepare for an even larger boon with a series of upcoming America 250 celebrations.

The Board held its 2026 Travel Rally at Whitemarsh Country Club on Tuesday, highlighting some of this summer's upcoming events in a charged patriotic atmosphere. A bald eagle from Elmwood Park Zoo was perched nearby, a Huey helicopter from the Vietnam War flew overhead, and an ice sculpture themed for the semiquincentennial took center stage.

Leaders cited a "historic moment for the region." Mike Bowman, president and CEO of the Tourism Board, called Montgomery County "a true tourism powerhouse." In addition to last year's spending figure, they also said that tourism had created 40,000 new jobs and that hotel room usage had grown by 20 percent.

Hotel revenue for May through July of 2026 is expected to be near $100 million, a 12 percent increase over 2025.

Three major sporting events in the coming weeks are expected to bring $4 million in economic impact: USA Taekwondo at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks, the Rumble Grass Volleyball Tournament in Pottstown, and the Lacrosse World Series Championship at The Proving Grounds in Conshohocken.

The county will take a pivotal center stage role in this summer's patriotic celebrations.

On June 29, an event celebrating both America’s 250th anniversary and Valley Forge National Historical Park’s 50th anniversary will be held on the Montgomery County Courthouse steps.

Another event called "Houses of Declaration" will feature numerous public readings of the Declaration of Independence across Montgomery County.

There will be a free, multi-day watch party for the World Cup in King of Prussia, featuring large viewing screens, food trucks, family activities, and more.

The Union Pacific “Big Boy” locomotive will also pass through King of Prussia and Pottstown as part of its national tour, settling in the Philadelphia area from July 3 through July 5.

Specifics on those events will be provided in the coming weeks.