(Lancaster, PA)  The Pennsylvania Dutch Convention and Visitors Bureau today released the results of a recent meeting planners survey it conducted for The Lancaster Streetcar Company that indicates ample interest in utilizing a streetcar system as part of any future events the respondents’ organizations may hold in Downtown Lancaster.

Conducted earlier this spring and encompassing the feedback of nearly 40 association, corporate, and government meeting planners, the survey explored the preference for streetcars versus other modes of transport, the interest in chartering streetcars for attendee functions, and the usage of streetcars by attendees for meeting and free time activities.  The survey also included general route information, showing how the streetcars would service the Lancaster County Convention Center and numerous other downtown locations.

Nearly 80 percent of survey respondents chose an electric streetcar on rail, traveling a set loop, as their attendees’ preferred mode of downtown transportation versus walking, city bus, taxi, or rental car.  In follow-up, all of the participants said that their attendees would be very or somewhat likely to use a streetcar to visit city dining, entertainment, and cultural attractions.

The responding meeting planners also expressed significant interest on behalf of their attendees in using specially-chartered streetcars to travel en masse to downtown activities.  With interest ranging from 86 to 95 percent, these options included guided historical tours, progressive dinners, ballgames at Clipper Magazine Stadium, and events at a possible 200-person pavilion.

All of the meeting planners believed that a walkable downtown was very or somewhat important to their attendees, and 97 percent felt an electric streetcar loop was integral to achieving such an environment, making it the second-highest rated factor among the listed amenities.

“With the convention center and various other projects and initiatives, the city is experiencing a real burst of activity and energy right now, and these survey results provide some interesting insights to consider as we collectively think about how Downtown Lancaster should evolve in the future,” noted PA Dutch CVB President and CEO Chris Barrett.

Lancaster County is a wonderful blend of urban style and rural splendor, and the PA Dutch Convention & Visitors Bureau is dedicated to promoting its many rich cultures, from the Amish to the arts. Travelers can take in our vibrant downtown city life – featuring galleries, great dining, specialty shops, and live music – or explore some of the surrounding towns and villages to get a sampling of the heritage, food, craftsmanship, and hands-on activities for which Lancaster is famous. Visit us at www.discoverlancasterpa.com. Lancaster is also part of Pennsylvania’s Dutch Country Roads region, a true vacation destination where country meets city and the past lives side-by-side with the present.