PA Could Benefit From Inauguration

The economic impact of next week's Inauguration is reaching into Pennsylvania. The Inaugural weekend officially gets underway with a ceremony at Philadelphia's 30th Street train station. Meryl Levitz is the President and CEO of the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation. She says while she doesn't think the event will provide any immediate economic boost for the city, it's yet another high-profile presidential milestone that's taking place there. Levitz points out President-elect Barack Obama gave a major speech and held a debate in Philadelphia, and also met with governors at Independence Hall right after the election. The Inauguration is having a more immediate effect elsewhere. Robin Scaer, the Marketing Director for the Hershey Harrisburg Regional Visitors Bureau, says hotels in Dauphin, York and Adams County are all approaching full capacity for Washington visitors looking for cheaper options within driving distance of the big event. Scaer say she's hoping those visitors will enjoy their stay, and then return to the region this summer for a longer vacation.