The Pennsylvania Tourism Office has introduced an innovative winter hotline designed to promote the state’s attractions through regional accents. This initiative encourages residents and visitors alike to explore Pennsylvania during the colder months. The hotline, accessible at 1-877-SNWFUN1 (769-3861), provides a unique, personalized experience for callers with pre-recorded messages featuring classic Pittsburgh and Philadelphia accents.
Callers are greeted with an engaging introduction: “Yo dere. Thanks for cawlling the Visit PA Snow Day hawtline.” This distinctive greeting sets the tone for a journey through the state’s winter offerings. The hotline offers recommendations for both outdoor activities and cozy indoor experiences, ensuring that there is something for everyone looking to enjoy the season.
Katie Burger, the executive director of Visit PA, emphasized the importance of making the experience relatable. “I really wanted it to feel like you’re meeting up with someone at Wawa or Sheetz and having a conversation with them about what they did this weekend,” she stated. The winter hotline serves as a nostalgic nod to the region’s unique phonological quirks, creating a connection with callers that a digital platform may lack.
Live Operators Enhance the Experience
The hotline will operate 24/7, with live operators available on Friday evenings until February 23, 2024. These operators include notable personalities such as comedian Betsy Kenney, who is known for her viral ASMR videos featuring an exaggerated Philadelphia accent. Kenney described her role as akin to a telethon, where she will provide personalized recommendations for winter activities in Pennsylvania.
“Hopefully they’ll walk away with some ideas of what to do in Pennsylvania,” Kenney said during a recent interview. The live aspect of the hotline allows for dynamic interaction, where operators can respond to callers’ inquiries in real time. Kenney remarked on the familiarity of the accents, noting, “The accents to me sound like cousins. They sound so alike, but I do think there is a big difference.”
In addition to Kenney, the hotline will feature Johnny Pittsburgh, another comedian who will be representing the western part of the state. Both comedians are set to bring a touch of local flavor to the hotline, enhancing the overall experience for callers.
Encouraging Exploration of Local Attractions
The winter hotline aims to appeal to both in-state travelers and those from out of town. While most winter tourism typically involves Pennsylvanians exploring their own state, the initiative is designed to entice all visitors to discover the rich cultural and recreational opportunities available. Callers can expect to hear about unique attractions such as the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh and the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, which offers interactive exhibits for families.
The push for the hotline comes at a time when many individuals are seeking to disconnect from digital devices. Burger noted a growing trend of people wanting to embrace an “analog vibe.” The hotline, therefore, serves as a way to foster genuine human connection while promoting the state’s winter tourism campaign.
As part of this initiative, the Pennsylvania Tourism Office is highlighting local attractions through engaging communication that resonates with the community. The use of regional accents not only personalizes the experience but also celebrates Pennsylvania’s cultural identity.
This unique approach to promoting winter tourism is expected to draw attention and encourage exploration of the state’s offerings. The Pennsylvania Tourism Office invites everyone to connect through this distinctive hotline and discover the various delights that Pennsylvania has to offer this winter.
