The Pennsylvania Tourism Office has introduced a distinctive winter hotline aimed at encouraging residents and visitors to explore the state’s attractions. The hotline, reachable at 1-877-SNWFUN1, features a menu of options narrated in regional accents, making the experience more relatable for callers.
Engaging Local Voices
Upon calling, users are greeted by a pre-recorded message with a classic Pittsburgh accent: “Yo dere. Thanks for cawlling the Visit PA Snow Day hawtline.” The initiative is part of the state’s winter tourism campaign, aiming to offer both indoor and outdoor recommendations for winter activities. For example, callers can learn about visiting the Andy Warhol Museum or the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, where children can engage in interactive exhibits.
Katie Burger, executive director of the Pennsylvania Tourism Office, emphasized the importance of local accents in creating a welcoming atmosphere. “I really wanted it to feel like you’re meeting up with someone at Wawa or Sheetz and having a conversation about what they did this weekend,” she said. The hotline’s unique approach aims to resonate with both locals and tourists, showcasing Pennsylvania’s rich cultural identity.
Promoting Analog Interaction
While winter tourism tips are available on the Visit PA website, the hotline offers a nostalgic, old-school experience. Burger noted a growing trend of individuals wanting to disconnect from screens and embrace more traditional forms of communication. The hotline will remain active until February 23, 2024, with live operators available on Friday evenings, providing personalized recommendations.
Comedian Betsy Kenney, known for her viral ASMR videos in a Philadelphia accent, will host a portion of the hotline. “Think of it like a telethon,” Kenney explained. She plans to engage with callers for two hours, offering insights into winter activities across Pennsylvania. Her enthusiasm is evident as she encourages callers, saying, “You don’t gotta gew to Fraince to look at some nice ahrt, OK?”
Her counterpart for the western region, comedian Johnny Pittsburgh, is also set to bring his unique flair to the hotline. Kenney noted the subtle differences between the Pittsburgh and Philadelphia accents, highlighting their shared roots while celebrating regional diversity.
Connecting with Travelers
The winter hotline aims to attract both in-state residents and out-of-state travelers. However, most winter tourism generally involves Pennsylvanians discovering their own state. Burger described the accents used in the recordings as an “Easter egg” for those familiar with the region, adding a layer of authenticity to the experience.
As Kenney prepares for her live interactions, she plans to leverage her improv skills to respond to callers’ inquiries, ensuring engaging conversations. “Hopefully they’ll walk away with some ideas of what to do in Pennsylvania, but I could talk to a wall,” she said, demonstrating her commitment to making the hotline a valuable resource.
The Visit PA winter hotline is available 24/7, with the added benefit of live operators enhancing the customer experience during peak hours. This initiative not only promotes tourism but also fosters a sense of community and connection among callers, making it a noteworthy winter project for the Pennsylvania Tourism Office.
