Pennsylvania Tourism Office Launches Hotline with Regional Accents

Callers can navigate winter tourism tips voiced by Pittsburgh and Philly comedians

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

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The Pennsylvania Tourism Office has launched a winter tourism hotline, 1-877-SNWFUN1, featuring pre-recorded messages and live call-taking sessions with comedians speaking in classic Pittsburgh and Philadelphia accents. The goal is to provide winter activity recommendations in a more personal, analog way compared to digital channels.

Why it matters

The hotline taps into Pennsylvania's distinct regional accents and dialects as a way to connect with potential winter travelers in a more authentic, relatable way. It also reflects a broader trend of people seeking more analog, personal experiences versus digital interactions.

The details

The hotline features pre-recorded messages with actors speaking in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia accents, using phrases like "youse" and "yinz." During live call-taking sessions, comedians like Betsy Kenney will field calls for two-hour blocks, providing personalized recommendations on winter activities across the state. The hotline will run until February 23.

  • The hotline launched on February 3, 2026.
  • Live call-taking sessions will run until February 23, 2026.

The players

Visit PA

The Pennsylvania Tourism Office, which launched the winter tourism hotline.

Betsy Kenney

A Philadelphia comedian known for her viral ASMR videos speaking in an exaggerated Philly accent, who will be taking live calls on the hotline.

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What they’re saying

“Yo dere. Thanks for cawlling the Visit PA Snow Day hawtline. Whether you want outdowr stuff or cewzy indowr hangs, we'll shew you where to gew all over the state.”

— Recorded Pittsburgh Voice (whyy.org)

“Discahver deh genius behind icohnic Pawp Ahrt at the Andy Warhol Mewseum in Pixsburgh. Visit the Children's Mewseum of Pixsburgh, where kids ken take awf inta space den return to Ert to splesh in a river through hands-on exhibits.”

— Recorded Pittsburgh Voice (whyy.org)

“I see such a trend online now of people wanting to disconnect from screens and get back to that 'analog vibe,' is the term I keep hearing people use.”

— Katie Burger, Executive Director, Visit PA (whyy.org)

“Think of it like a telethon. 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.”

— Betsy Kenney, Philadelphia Comedian (whyy.org)

What’s next

The hotline will continue to operate until February 23, 2026, with live call-taking sessions by comedians speaking in regional accents.

The takeaway

The Pennsylvania Tourism Office's winter hotline taps into the state's distinct regional dialects and accents to provide a more personal, analog experience for potential travelers, reflecting a broader trend of people seeking more authentic connections versus digital interactions.