BUCKS COUNTY isn’t exactly a tough sell. Its rolling hills, wildflower-filled meadows, quaint small towns and charming bed-and-breakfasts make it a perfect getaway for everyone from couples to corporations.
“Bucks County has so many advantages,” says Paul Bencivengo, marketing and communications director for Visit Bucks County. “From its accessibility to both New York and Philadelphia to the bucolic setting to the unique venues, it’s really special.”
Bucks County visitor spending accounts for $877 million in economic impact annually and supports more than 11,000 jobs, so bringing people to the region, getting them to experience everything from the main streets of Bristol, New Hope and Doylestown, taking the family to Sesame Place and popping over to Peddler’s Village for shopping or dining is vital. “We want people to come here for an event or a meeting and go beyond their event, experience the area and come back for a repeat visit.”says Bencivengo.
In close proximity to the major metropolitan areas and just across the river from New Jersey, Bucks County is an ideal spot for smaller groups and meetings. “Whether it’s a pharmaceutical company from New Jersey or a group from Philadelphia, we encourage them to get outside their stodgy buildings and into a castle or do something fun like the winery trail,” he says.
Bencivengo joined Visit Bucks County in December 2009 after spending nine years with the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (now known as PHLCVB). In his role as marketing and communications director, he and his team are tasked with branding, advertising, marketing, communications, public relations and business-to business sales, and he has won various awards from HSMAI and Travel + Leisure magazine for his promotions. Bencivengo even practices what he preaches. Born and raised in Philadelphia, he has spent the last decade residing in Bucks County with his family
