Western Maryland Resort with the State’s Only Jack Nicklaus Signature Course Continues to Thrive While Contributing to Local, State and Regional Economies
(CUMBERLAND, Maryland) – Rocky Gap Lodge & Golf Resort – nestled in the 3,200-acre Rocky Gap State Park – continues to spur local, state and regional economies and has been a shining jewel in Maryland’s tourism portfolio.
Rocky Gap – recently named a AAA Four-Diamond resort for the sixth consecutive year – has launched many careers and the money earned has been returned to the economy several times over.
"Economic development has boomed in Western Maryland since Rocky Gap opened," says Cumberland Mayor Lee Fiedler. "Cumberland has seen revitalization in its downtown and surrounding areas as more businesses relocate to the region. We use the resort to attract more investment to the region and for special business development events throughout the year."
Allegany County Commissioner Jim Stakem says Rocky Gap’s impact can be felt well beyond the borders of the state.
"The Rocky Gap Lodge and Golf Resort is a jewel of Western Maryland," Stakem says. "The vision for Rocky Gap was for the resort to spur economic development in the region, provide jobs to the community and serve guests from the Mid-Atlantic States. It has certainly done a great job in all three areas."
â?¢ Rocky Gap employs 310 employees in high season and has launched the careers of many county and regional residents since opening in 1999. The impact of these employees has put more than $630,000 back into the community each year at local banks, grocery stores and many other local businesses
â?¢ Guests from Rocky Gap who visited Cumberland and the surrounding areas spent more than $15.1 million on attractions, restaurants and gifts in 2005 and will spend more than $16 million in the local economy in 2006
â?¢ In 2005, 161,345 guests enjoyed the resort, golf course, activities and spa
â?¢ Rocky Gap paid local vendors more than $1.49 million for goods and services in 2005 and will pay more than $1.6 million in 2006
â?¢ Rocky Gap hosted nearly 700 events in 2005
â?¢ In 2006, 20,000 rounds of golf will be played at Rocky Gap – home to Maryland’s only Jack Nicklaus Signature-designed course
â?¢ In 2006, 8,125 spa treatments will be given at the Garden Spa
â?¢ Rocky Gap supports local organizations and charities and has hosted events such as the March of Dimes Celebrity Chefs event, the Lighthouse Academy event and the American Red Cross Mountain Reflections event
â?¢ Since the resort was built, the occupancy of Rocky Gap State Park and campground areas has seen more than a 60-percent jump in day use visitors and campers making the park one of the busiest in the region
"We have had a tremendous impact on the local economy, says Rocky Gap General Manager Steele Edwards. "Rocky Gap creates jobs, purchases local goods and services, and hosts more than 160,000 guests each year. I look forward to continued growth and being a good corporate citizen for the entire Western Maryland Region."
About Rocky Gap Lodge & Golf Resort
Rocky Gap Lodge & Golf Resort is a 216-room resort located on a 243-acre lake in the mountains of Western Maryland. The resort is a four-diamond AAA facility with Garden Spa, Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course and an on-property adventure outfitter for horseback riding, hiking and biking, whitewater rafting and corporate team building. Rocky Gap Lodge and Golf Resort is managed by Crestline Hotels & Resorts, Inc., one of the nation’s largest independent hospitality management companies. Founded in 2000, the Company presently manages 43 hotels, resorts and conference and convention centers with over 10,400 rooms in 12 states and the District of Columbia. Crestline Hotels & Resorts manages properties independently and under such well regarded brands as Marriott, Hilton, Westin, Renaissance, Sheraton, Crowne Plaza and Wyndham. Additional information about the hotel management company is available at the company’s Web site: www.crestlinehotels.com.
Contact:
Dan Shepherd, Buffalo Communications
dshepherd@billycaspergolf.com
703-891-3320
Rob Thomas, Buffalo Communications
rthomas@billycaspergolf.com
214-701-1153
