The City of Lancaster is proud to unveil its first Tourism Master Plan (TMP). This plan is the result of two years of hard work surveying residents, business owners, and visitors, diving into data, studying industry best practices, and learning more about how Lancaster can leverage tourism as a force for good. The plan, its recommendations, and its implementation plan will transform how the City approaches tourism as a tool to aid in equitable economic development.
Though we may take it for granted, our little city truly is special. A thriving, 7.3 square mile urban center in the heart of Amish country, Lancaster City is the economic engine that powers Lancaster County and the Central Pennsylvania region.
We know that the key to Lancaster’s continued success is its people: the residents who live here, the business owners who create good paying jobs, and the visitors who come to enjoy a taste of what our city has to offer. Our residents are proud of their city, and when done responsibly, they will be able to share what they love about Lancaster with visitors for decades to come while reaping the benefits.
The TMP is truly a community-driven plan, with over 3,500 local stakeholders involved in its development; with the team behind the plan making an intentional effort to reach the diverse voices that are too often left out of this work.
The TMP grew out of our comprehensive plan, Our Future Lancaster, a groundbreaking community-driven plan that will guide the next twenty years of development in Lancaster City. It is also complimented by the Building On Strength economic development plan, as well as the strategic plans of the Lancaster County Convention Center and Discover Lancaster.
Inside this plan you’ll find comprehensive research and analysis, an assessment of the current state of tourism in Lancaster City, as well as over 100 recommendations to help bring the goals of the TMP to fruition.
The City of Lancaster is well positioned to take on the next decade of economic growth, with tourism as an important tool in its economic development toolbox. But it will be up to all of us to make sure that growth lifts up everyone and keeps Lancaster City the welcoming place it is today.
Mayor Jaime Arroyo
City of Lancaster
