The Pottstown Committee of The Whole meeting on August 6, 2025, highlighted significant trends in local tourism and spending patterns, as reported by Valley Forge tourism statistics. The data, which is collected from credit card transactions, indicates a notable decline in tourist spending compared to the previous year.

In July 2025, tourist spending dropped by 32%, with the average expenditure per credit card holder falling to $75, down from $109 in July 2024. This decline raises concerns about the local economy's reliance on tourism revenue. The statistics reveal that 17% of out-of-town visitors originated from New York, with 20% specifically from New York City, spending an average of $60 during their visits. Other notable sources of visitors included the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton area, contributing 13% of tourists who spent an average of $121, and Washington, D.C., which accounted for 9% of visitors with an average spend of $106.

The primary area of spending for these tourists was retail, which includes not only downtown businesses but also larger chains like Wawa. This broad definition of retail spending underscores the diverse nature of the local economy and its dependence on various types of consumer engagement.

The meeting underscored the importance of addressing these trends to bolster local economic health and attract more visitors in the future. Further discussions may be necessary to explore strategies for revitalizing tourism and enhancing visitor experiences in Pottstown.