VisitPITTSBURGH History
VisitPITTSBURGH is dedicated to generating convention, trade show and leisure travel business for the Pittsburgh region.
Our mission remains intact today as the official tourism promotion agency for Allegheny County and as an independent, nonprofit organization serving its business membership. While it has gone through many changes since it was founded, VisitPITTSBURGH strives to remain true to its mission. The following is a history of this organization that was founded in 1935 to market and serve travelers to Pittsburgh.
Celebrating 90 Years of VisitPITTSBURGH
On June 8, we commemorated the 90th anniversary of VisitPITTSBURGH—a testament to nearly a century of promoting Allegheny County as a premier destination. What began as a small initiative to showcase the city's potential has evolved into a powerhouse of economic impact, generating $6.8 billion for the county and $377 million in state and local tax revenue in 2024, in addition to the 42,600 tourism-supported jobs within the industry. Just as in 1935, our commitment to boosting visitation and fostering economic growth endures.
Throughout our 90-year history, VisitPITTSBURGH demonstrated remarkable resilience, successfully navigating and recovering from major tourism disruptions including 9/11, the 2008 financial crisis, and most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic.
This resilience has paid dividends in measurable ways. Our business and sports events portfolio has generated $1.9 billion in direct visitor spend over the past decade. Business Events has successfully hosted 3,300 conferences and professional events this past decade alone. Nine years ago, we expanded our capabilities with the creation of SportsPITTSBURGH, which has already brought signature events to the region, including the National Senior Games (generating $30M+ in economic impact), more than 40 NCAA Championship events and more. This comprehensive track record of success in hosting large-scale events has positioned us perfectly for our next major milestone.
As we enter our tenth decade, we are honored to lead the charge—alongside the Pittsburgh Steelers, and our state, county, and city partners—for the 2026 NFL Draft. The NFL Draft serves as a catalyst and an introduction to Pittsburgh's capabilities in hosting events of this magnitude, ensuring it will be the first of many more significant events held here in the City of Champions.
The NFL Draft also provides the perfect launch pad for our brand-new leisure marketing campaign. This omnichannel campaign across web, social, digital, print and more will bring the new VisitPITTSBURGH brand to life with a stunning new suite of visuals and compelling storytelling and messaging, designed to capitalize on our unprecedented momentum and national recognition, transforming increased visibility into sustained visitation growth that extends far beyond major events. Leveraging the foundation of excitement from the NFL Draft as well as our recent global recognition, such as via Lonely Planet's "Best in Travel 2025" designation as the only US city on their 'must-visit' list, we aim to showcase Pittsburgh like never before—from our world-class museums and burgeoning food and craft beverage scenes to our scenic outdoor spaces and vibrant urban landscapes.
In recent years, Pittsburgh has garnered increased national and international attention—a trajectory we don't anticipate slowing down anytime soon. By staying ahead of industry trends and enhancing visitor experiences across the region, we continue to grow our brand and expand our reach. The rollout of our new marketing campaign over the next year marks another significant goal achieved from our 10-year Tourism Development Plan.
In 2023, we unveiled our comprehensive 10-Year Tourism Development Plan, a strategic roadmap designed to create enhanced connectivity, add new experiences, and support workforce development opportunities across the tourism industry. The plan encompasses more than 40 strategies and 80 unique action items, forming a blueprint for the development, management, and marketing of tourism assets in both the City of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County. It is crafted with the overall visitor experience in mind, while also identifying ways to enhance the quality of life for residents and those within the local hospitality workforce.
Our Tourism Development Plan builds on decades of efforts to elevate the region's profile, aiming to leave a lasting impression on travelers from near and far. We hope you join us in celebrating these past nine decades of serving the travel and tourism industry in Pittsburgh, as we are enthusiastic about what lies ahead. The city that will surprise you is only just beginning its next chapter!