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Visit Pittsburgh 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.
In This Section
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1900 - 1949
Learn about the events in the early 1900s that led to the formation of the VisitPittsburgh Convention and Tourist Bureau.
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1950s
In the 1950s, the Pittsburgh Convention Bureau, Inc. changed its name to Pittsburgh Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc.
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1960s
The 60's saw some changes in the small staff of four.
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1970s
In the 1970s an average 274 conventions were held in Pittsburgh each year, generating an average of $31.1 million per year in local spending.
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1980s
The 80's started out great for the Pittsburgh Convention & Visitors Bureau when it was honored by the Pittsburgh Society of Association Executives for outstanding service to the community.
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1990s
The operating budget for the 1989-90 fiscal year was $2.8 million.
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2000's
Learn about how VisitPittsburgh adapted to a changing economy by promoting one tank travel due to rising gas prices in Pittsburgh and the rest of the US.