BUCKS COUNTY, PA - Pennsylvania Governor Mark Schweiker joined officials from the Bucks County Conference & Visitors Bureau and local elected officials - including state Sen. Robert "Tommy" Tomlinson, Bucks County Commissioners Michael Fitzpatrick and Sandra Miller and Bensalem Mayor Joe DiGirolamo - to celebrate the grand opening of the new, state-of-the art Bucks County Visitor Center at 3207 Street Road Bensalem, PA in October, 2002.

The new 20,000 sq. ft. Visitor Center includes a movie theater, gift shop, fully staffed information desk and meeting space. It showcases, through publications, individual brochures and a film on the county, the varied attractions and activities offered throughout Bucks.

"Bucks County offers many ways to enjoy its historical hidden treasures - Washington Crossing Historical Park, Pennsbury Manor, New Hope's canal boat, covered bridges and museums," said Governor Schweiker. "This Visitors Center will serve as the epicenter where tourists can learn about all that Bucks County has to offer."

The Bucks County native also dedicated the Governors Wall, which pays homage to the two Pennsylvania governors who have hailed from Bucks County. Governor Schweiker was joined by a re-enactor portraying William Penn, the Bucks County resident who founded the commonwealth and served as its first governor.

"The new Visitor Center offers us the opportunity to promote the county and our 400 member businesses in a way that has previously been unavailable to us," said Keith Toler, Executive Director of the Bucks County Conference & Visitors Bureau. "Through face-to-face service, our travel counselors can provide visitors with information specific to their needs, resulting in increased spending opportunities during their visit."

Tourism is a major industry in both Bucks County and statewide. According to the latest figures released by the Department of Community and Economic Development, tourism in Bucks County accounted for more than $608 million and slightly more than 10,000 jobs. Statewide in 2000, travelers visiting Pennsylvania spent $34.1 billion and supported 563,440 jobs.