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With 2026 in view, DCED requests $10M in marketing and $15M in event security funding
Summary
Secretary Seager told the committee the governor's budget includes $10M one-time marketing for 2026 events and $15M for regional event security, plus a $36.5M one-time fund to support marquee events; DCED said funds aim to spread tourism benefits statewide beyond Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
Lawmakers asked how the state will prepare for a string of major events in 2026, including the FIFA World Cup matches in Philadelphia and the NFL draft in Pittsburgh.
Secretary Seager described three one-time items in the proposed budget tied to 2026: $10 million in additional marketing to attract visitors, $15 million for regional-event security, and $36.5 million in one-time event-support funding. Seager said the marketing is intended not just to drive single-event attendance but to "re-baseline" tourism so people explore other parts of Pennsylvania after visiting marquee cities.
Seager also described a multi-year tourism effort under the "Great American Getaway" brand and said recent increases in tourism funding and new creative assets have led to a substantial rise in impressions and hotel-room growth in target markets.
Next steps: DCED will continue to coordinate with local destination marketing organizations, event organizers and security partners to refine spending and deployment plans and to report back on outcomes.
