If all goes according to plan, the lines that separate Potter and Tioga counties will be blurred, and the two counties will begin to be marketed together in the new year.

Plans call to consolidate the Potter County Visitors Association with the Tioga County Visitors Bureau, a move that has been in talks for the last few months.

“We’re getting a lot of positive feedback (on the merger plans). People see Tioga and Potter counties have a lot in common,” said Lori Copp, executive director of the Tioga County Visitors Bureau.

On Tuesday she said that plans are continuing to move ahead as the Tioga County agency and the Potter County Visitors Association work together in combining tourism efforts. Under the plans, staffing and resources from both agencies would be shared, Copp said.

The departure of David Brooks as executive director of the Potter County Visitors Association over the summer prompted a move to see how the organizations could work more together, Copp said. Discussions on a possible merger started in September, and officials are hoping the new organization can be unveiled July 1.

In the meantime, officials are figuring out a name for the organization, and the bylaws are being examined, she said.

Also, individuals from Potter County would be brought onto the tourism board. Space is expected to be made on Tioga’s organization for representatives from Potter County, Copp said.

Officials are looking into having a tourism office in Potter County, she said. Copp said a few options are on the table, though she declined to provide specifics.

Currently, the Potter County Visitors Association is based in Coudersport, while the Tioga County Visitors Bureau is located near Wellsboro.

“We’re looking to maximize our efforts for the least amount of money,” Copp said. “The goal is to market this region as a destination for visitors.”

In Potter County, there’s Cherry Hill State Park, known nationally for star gazing opportunities, and there is the Austin Dam, a structure that broke in 1911, killing dozens of people. In Tioga County, the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon is a major draw.

All things considered, tourism is vital to the region, as many businesses rely on visitors to bring in revenue, Copp said.

And when it comes to promoting Potter and Tioga counties, Copp said, “We’re all in this together.”

A representative from the Potter County Visitors Association did not immediately respond to a request seeking comment for this story.

Those looking to provide input on the planned merger between the two agencies should contact Copp at (570) 724-0635 or lcopp@epix.net.