VisitPittsburgh reports record economic impact for Pittsburgh area in 2023
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Pittsburgh-area and Pennsylvania leaders say that tourism in Allegheny County is bouncing back.
VisitPittsburgh held its annual meeting on Wednesday and shared data that the area raked in more than $6.4 billion in 2023.
"What an incredible year for Allegheny County's tourism industry," said Jerad Bachar, president & CEO of VisitPittsburgh. "These landmark gains have been years in the making and represent the collective resilience and collaboration found across all sectors of the industry. From hoteliers, restaurants and attractions to leisure, business and sports events, our tourism community has pulled together for another year of growth."
We're now at an all-time high for visitors coming to the city since the COVID-19 pandemic started in 2020.
"It's no doubt that 2023 was a record year for recovery, and our industry has incredible momentum for what's on the horizon in 2024," Bachar added. "From the continued rollout of our 10-year Tourism Development Plan to new events and major partner anniversaries, 2024 has a solid foundation for continued growth, development and lasting success."
VisitPittsburgh says the revenue coming to the area stems from sporting events as well as professional conferences and cultural phenomenons like Anthron, which is held annually at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.
Officials said 228 different events being held led to over 313,000 hotel rooms booked.
They also said that that they believe that tourism will continue to rise in 2024 and is expected to create 2,000 more jobs in the industry by the end of the year.
"We've seen a big uptick thanks to people from out of town," Matt Zelinsky, operations director at Novo Asian Food Hall, told KDKA-TV. "Pittsburgh is getting a great reputation as a great place to visit."
Tourists told KDKA-TV that there's always something to do or go and see in the Steel City. Pittsburgh is known as a sports, events and concert town, but nationally recognized museums and exhibits offer something for everyone.
"I love to come down and visit our daughter," visitor Kim Ohr said. "I feel like the city is alive and it's just fun and booming. It's fun to see everybody walking and exercising and all the dogs."