State College is proving to be a desirable destination for conventions and weekend warriors in the midst of a national tourism recovery period.

After some time of stagnation, the tourism industry is gaining momentum, especially in Centre County, said Betsey Howell, executive director of the Central Pennsylvania Convention and Visitors Bureau.

"Tourism had been down across the country after September 11," she said. "However, the last two years have shown growth in tourism everywhere."

Downtown Improvement District (DID) Director Teresa Sparacino said tourism accounts for 60 percent of all retail sales and brings in $500,000 a year to State College.

"Downtown [State College] has a different flavor and people come specifically for that," she said.

Sparacino added that the DID is working with the visitor's bureau to bring travelers to State College's bustling downtown.

Carrie Fischer, Pennsylvania Tourism Office employee, said the rise in tourism could be attributed to travel promotions and national advertising.

"State College has a hip nightlife and a lot of spirit that can bring in any potential tourist," she said.

Howell said the visitor's bureau is trying to promote State College as a tourist destination by offering leisure, outdoors and sports promotions to bring travelers into the area.

"We're advertising outside of the area in national publications," she said.

Howell said the bureau has placed advertisements in many travel and home magazines such as National Geographic Traveler, Better Homes and Gardens, and others.

"I think it is a great place to visit," she said. "From culture to outdoor activities, you name it, and we can do it here."

Howell and Fischer both said that what most entices travelers to the region is the outdoor activity, especially biking.

Howell said the visitor's bureau offers a variety of cycling packages to beckon bikers to State College.

She added that the promotions give riders tips and detailed trail maps as part of the package.

"The State College area has some of the best bike trails I've ever ridden," Justin McDaniels (sophomore-parks, recreation and tourism) said.

Fischer said the State College region is a part of the Pennsylvania tourism office's summer road trip campaign. Many of the road trip guides focus on the Centre County and State College region.

Howell said many conventions and trade shows bring a plethora of new travelers into the area and are great ways to familiarize people with State College, which keeps them coming back.

Fran Levin, director of sales and marketing for Penn State hospitality services, said a variety of conferences are held in State College.

She said the organizations that choose to meet in State College range from state associations to fraternal organizations.