Pennsylvania State Logo

Pennsylvania might not have a state budget, but thankfully, it does have a new state tourism slogan and logo:

We're thrilled to launch our new travel brand and logo today! #PATravelHappy

— visit PA (@visitPA)

The Pennsylvania Tourism Office is now encouraging travelers to visit with the slogan “Pennsylvania. Pursue Your Happiness, " a bow to the iconic phrase from the Declaration of Independence. And perhaps it was the pursuit of happiness that inspired the office to unveil the new slogan and logo at a winery in Somerset County.

Previously, the state’s slogan was the less actionable “The State of Independence.” That phrase officially became Pennsylvania’s slogan following a 2004 contest that received some 22, 000 submissions. Prior to that, it used various lines, like “You’ve Got a Friend in Pennsylvania” and “America Starts Here.”

Additionally, the tourism office will promote the new slogan through the #PATravelHappy hashtag, as well as its travel guide, Happy Travel, and re-named e-newsletter, Happy Thoughts. From that perspective, we are, it seems, a land of positivity despite the enduring state budget deadlock.