LIGONIER, Pa. (Feb. 18, 2026) – GO Laurel Highlands, the destination marketing organization for Pennsylvania's Fayette, Somerset and Westmoreland counties, is celebrating Feb. 19 as Destination Professionals Day.

GO Laurel Highlands, which was founded in 1958 as the Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau, is one of more than 10,000 destination organizations around the world. Led by executive director Ann Nemanic, the organization helps promote tourism and the businesses that support it in the three-county region.

“GO Laurel Highlands brings our whole three-county region together and shares what makes this area of Pennsylvania so special,” said Theresa Gay Rohall, who chairs the organization's board of directors in addition to her roles as executive director of the Ligonier Valley Historical Society and Compass Inn Museum. “When we tell one strong story about our outdoor beauty, history, small towns and local businesses, everyone benefits. Our work helps attract more visitors, supports jobs, strengthens small businesses and encourages people to stay longer and come back again, creating a real and lasting positive impact across the Laurel Highlands.”

Visitors spent a record $2.15 billion in 2024, according to statistics from Tourism Economics. Tourism supported more than 15,000 jobs in the Laurel Highlands in 2024, which is an increase of 1.7% from the previous year. 

Across the region, a record $2.96 million in county tourism grants was awarded, supporting local partners, enhancing visitors' experiences and reinvesting directly into the tourism economy.

The Laurel Highlands Pour Tour, which is run by the organization, provided an estimated economic boost of $3.6 million to the craft beverage maker economy in 2026 with nearly 122,000 craft beverage purchases verified through the program.

“A career in destination marketing is often perceived as 'fun' – and don't get me wrong, it is – but what excites me is that our world is ever-changing and comes with rewards mile after mile,” Nemanic said. “The creative talent, enthusiasm and sheer drive of the GO Laurel Highlands team of talent is unmatched. Every individual is encouraged to explore, process and integrate their own ideas into our entire body of work, which elevates our organization to extraordinary heights. We are honored to represent and share the story of all our tourism partners to potential visitors every day.”

Feb. 19 is dedicated to destination professionals because it was on that date in 1896 that leaders in Detroit gathered to form the world's first destination organization. The goal is to highlight the vital contributions of destination professionals in enriching community life and driving economic development, celebrate their achievements and dedication across all roles and organizations, and inspire future leaders by showcasing the diverse and rewarding career opportunities available in the sector.

Members of the GO Laurel Highlands team include:

• Ann Nemanic, executive director
• Georgia Robinsky, senior director of finance and grant administration
• Laura Argenbright, senior director of creative strategy
• Jennifer Benford, senior director of marketing
• Kelli Brisbane, director of partnership development
• Eric Knopsnyder, director of public relations and community outreach
• Dawn Lamuth, director of cultural and community connections
• Alex Byers, lead photographer/videographer
• Emma Reeping, marketing and program coordinator
• Deanna Mylant, digital marketing coordinator
• Hillary King, administrative and operational assistant
• Wes Delara, distribution representative
• Suzie Morris, seasonal information counselor
• David Klink, seasonal information counselor
• Alan McElroy, seasonal information counselor

Home to incredible outdoor recreation, historic and architectural sites and a burgeoning craft beverage scene, the Laurel Highlands attracts national and international attention as a tourist destination. Some key attractions include:

• Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater – The UNESCO World Heritage site has been called the greatest all-time work of American architecture. Three other homes designed by the architectural genius – Kentuck Knob and Polymath Park's Mäntylä and Duncan House – make the region a bucket-list trip for many.
• The Great Allegheny Passage – Hailed by National Geographic as the best bikepacking trail in the U.S., it traverses all three counties in the Laurel Highlands while stretching 150 miles from Pittsburgh to Cumberland, Maryland.
• The Flight 93 National Memorial – Located on hallowed ground, this site honors the passengers and crew members who died aboard the United Airlines flight hijacked by terrorists on Sept. 11, 2001.
• Ohiopyle State Park – This 20,000-acre mecca for outdoor enthusiasts was named the nation's most affordable state park in 2025. Ohiopyle Borough, which is an adventure hub for whitewater rafting, biking and hiking enthusiasts, has been named the Best Small Town in the Northeast by USA Today readers.
• Fall foliage – Keystone State Park was named the nation's Best Destination for Fall Foliage in 2023, and the Laurel Highlands region has landed a spot in the top five of USA Today's rankings in each of the past three years.
• Nemacolin – The ultra-luxury resort spread over more than 2,200 acres is home to a pair of Forbes Five-Star properties – The Chateau and Falling Rock – and a Four-Star property – The Grand Lodge.
• The Foggy Goggle at Seven Springs Mountain Resort – Lauded as the Best Après Ski Bar in North America, this legendary night spot heats up after a day on the slopes at Pennsylvania's biggest ski resort.
• Hidden Valley Resort's Ski School – Located just a few miles from its sister resort at Seven Springs, Hidden Valley is home to the No. 2 ski school in the country, according to USA Today's 10Best.

About Pennsylvania's Laurel Highlands
The Laurel Highlands is a 3,000-square-mile, mountainous region in southwestern Pennsylvania and a four-season playground for outdoor recreation. Just an hour east of Pittsburgh, the region offers top-tier skiing, hiking, biking and golf, alongside historic sites, family attractions and world-class resorts.

Highlights include four Frank Lloyd Wright masterpieces – Fallingwater®, Kentuck Knob, Mäntylä, and Duncan House – plus Nemacolin, Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Flight 93 National Memorial, Idlewild and SoakZone and whitewater rafting in Ohiopyle State Park.

Tourism is a key economic driver, with visitors spending more than $2 billion annually and supporting more than 15,000 jobs across the region. Within 200 miles of Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Cleveland, and Washington, D.C., the Laurel Highlands is easily reached via Pennsylvania Turnpike exits 67, 75, 91 and 110.

Visitors to the Laurel Highlands can find information online at GoLaurelHighlands.com, facebook.com/laurelhighlandsPA and https://www.instagram.com/go_laurelhighlands or by calling 724-238-5661.