The Pennsylvania Tourism Office has introduced an innovative winter hotline aimed at encouraging residents and visitors to explore the state’s attractions. This initiative, named the “Visit PA Snow Day Hotline,” features a unique twist: it is voiced by actors using regional accents, offering callers a taste of local flavor. The hotline can be reached at 1-877-SNWFUN1 (769-3861) and will operate until February 23, 2024.
A pre-recorded greeting from a Pittsburgh voice welcomes callers, stating, “Yo dere. Thanks for cawlling the Visit PA Snow Day hawtline.” The menu provides options for various winter activities, whether for outdoor adventures or cozy indoor experiences. One sample suggestion from the hotline includes visiting the iconic Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh or exploring the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, where children can engage in hands-on exhibits.
Katie Burger, the executive director of the Pennsylvania Tourism Office, emphasized the importance of creating an authentic experience for callers. “I really wanted it to feel like you’re meeting up with someone at Wawa or Sheetz and having a conversation with them about what they did this weekend,” Burger noted. The hotline aims to connect with callers in a nostalgic manner, appealing to those seeking a break from technology.
While digital resources are available on the Visit PA website, Burger mentioned that the hotline is intentionally designed for an “analog vibe.” She observed a growing trend of individuals wanting to disconnect from screens, making this initiative particularly appealing.
Live Operators Bring Local Flavor
In addition to the pre-recorded messages, the hotline will feature live operators on Friday evenings throughout February. Among those manning the phones will be comedian Betsy Kenney, known for her viral ASMR videos that highlight the Philadelphia accent. Kenney expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to engage with callers, saying, “I’ll be taking calls for two hours straight and I’m going to give people personal recommendations on things to do in the cold weather in Pennsylvania.”
Kenney is aware that some individuals may hesitate to visit certain attractions, especially those who believe they are beyond their reach. “A lot of people from Philadelphia are like, ‘I’m not going to that Art Museum. It’s too much.’ But you know what I say? Go for it,” she advised, encouraging callers to explore their options.
The western part of the state will be represented by another comedian, Johnny Pittsburgh, who is also known for his online content that embraces Pittsburghese. Kenney noted the similarities and distinctions between the accents, highlighting the unique cultural identity of each region.
Aiming for Local Exploration
The primary audience for the winter tourism hotline is likely to be Pennsylvanians themselves, as many residents enjoy discovering attractions within their home state. Burger referred to the accented voices as an “Easter egg” for locals familiar with the nuances of regional dialects. When Kenney is live on the hotline, she plans to utilize her improv skills to engage with callers on various topics beyond just winter tourism. “Hopefully they’ll walk away with some ideas of what to do in Pennsylvania,” Kenney said. “But I could talk to a wall. I could talk about anything, anytime.”
The Visit PA winter hotline is accessible 24/7, ensuring that anyone interested in exploring the winter offerings of Pennsylvania can do so at their convenience. With both pre-recorded messages and live operators ready to provide personalized recommendations, this initiative represents a creative approach to promoting local tourism and fostering a sense of community among residents.
