The Poconos: a best-kept meeting secret
The four-county Pocono Mountains region covering 2,400 square miles of parks, valleys, forests and lakes has long been popular as a tourist destination. But the area is being viewed more and more as a convention and meeting destination.
One major reason is the fact that 20 percent of the US population lives within a 200-mile radius.
“One of the best-kept secrets of the popular resort region is its meeting facilities, ranging from quaint country inns perfect for quiet executive retreats to large resorts and conference facilities with state-of-the-art meeting rooms capable of hosting over 1,000 attendees,†said David Jackson, director of sales for the Pocono Mountains CVB.
He said current developments are causing more meeting planners to take a look at the area. One other reason is its lower prices.
“Value is a key advantage,†he said. “With prices considerably lower than big-city alternatives.†Rising gas prices also add to its attraction.
Some long-standing conference attractions include the Chateau Resort and Conference Center, which has 152 rooms and 14,000 square feet of meeting space, and the Great Wolf Lodge, which has 401 suites and 7,000 square feet of space.
Also on the horizon in the future:
v The Waterpark at Split Rock Resort and Golf Club is due to open this summer. The property includes a 48,000 square foot indoor water park and 500 suites and rooms, making it among the largest hotels in the Poconos. With 77,000 square feet of meeting space it is also one of the largest in the area.
v Camelback/Camelbeach Resort due to open next year will create the country’s first combination ski-in, ski-out resort and indoor water park. There will also be a 400-room hotel.
v A Staybridge Suites under construction is due to open later this year and a 100-room Wingate Hotel by Wyndham is due to open next year.
Report by David Wilkening
David
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