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 (769-3861), features pre-recorded messages voiced by actors using recognizable regional accents, adding a personal touch to the initiative.
Callers are greeted by a voice with a classic Pittsburgh accent, inviting them to discover both outdoor activities and cozy indoor options. The recorded message states, “Yo dere. Thanks for cawlling the Visit PA Snow Day hawtline.” The aim is to provide a friendly and relatable experience, reflecting the local culture and dialect.
Engaging Local Voices
Katie Burger, executive director of Visit PA, emphasized the intent behind the hotline. “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 is designed to resonate with Pennsylvania residents and visitors alike, making it accessible for anyone looking for winter tourism options.
The winter hotline will operate until February 23, 2024, and includes segments where live operators will answer calls in their respective regional accents. Betsy Kenney, a Philadelphia comedian known for her viral content, will be among the live operators. She described the experience as reminiscent of a telethon, promising personalized recommendations for winter activities.
Kenney shared insights into what callers can expect, demonstrating her accent and saying, “I kniw a lot of people from Phulahdelphia ere like, ‘I’m not gooing to dat Art Mewseum. It’s tew much.’ But ewe kniw what I say? Gew for it.” Her enthusiasm aims to inspire potential visitors to explore local attractions, highlighting that one doesn’t need to travel far for cultural experiences.
Connecting through Accents
Johnny Pittsburgh, another local comedian who will contribute to the hotline, noted the similarities and distinctions between regional accents in Pennsylvania. “The accents to me sound like cousins,” he said. This focus on local dialects serves as an engaging element for callers, creating a sense of familiarity and connection.
Burger pointed out that while many tips are available digitally on Visit PA’s website, the accent-driven hotline offers a nostalgic, analog experience. “I see such a trend online now of people wanting to disconnect from screens and get back to that ‘analog vibe,’” she mentioned. The initiative plays into this desire by providing a direct, personal interaction.
The hotline is open 24/7, with live operators available on Friday evenings throughout February. This combination of pre-recorded messages and live interaction aims to make winter tourism more appealing, particularly for residents exploring their own state.
As the winter season progresses, the Visit PA hotline is proving to be an innovative way to promote local attractions while embracing the charm of Pennsylvania’s regional accents. The initiative not only highlights the state’s diverse offerings but also fosters a sense of community among callers, making it an inviting option for those seeking winter adventures.
