ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Tourism is a vital driver of the Lehigh Valley’s economy, bringing in millions of visitors each year and generating billions of dollars in economic impact, officials announced Thursday.
That’s why, to celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week, Discover Lehigh Valley chose the Da Vinci Science Center, which just opened its grand opening on Wednesday, to showcase the top-notch sports, events, and museums that make the region a tourist destination. , restaurants, parks, and historic sites.
The new science center will spearhead a wave of development in downtown Allentown, expected to attract more than 500,000 new visitors each year.
“Tourism enhances the quality of life for Americans every day,” said Alex Michaels, president and CEO of Discover Lehigh Valley, as he welcomed guests.
“Today, tourism at the U.S. level is a $2.8 trillion industry, employing 15 million people, and right here in Pennsylvania. [it accounts for] “Around 500,000 jobs will be created in the hospitality and tourism industry,” he said.
“We believe tourism is bright in the Lehigh Valley, and when we see facilities like this, we know we’re in the right place.”
“In celebration mode”
The celebration came as Gov. Josh Shapiro and the state Department of Community and Economic Development joined tourism officials this week to unveil a new state tourism brand and summer travel marketing campaign, designed to encourage more people to travel across the commonwealth to visit.
The slogan “Pennsylvania: Great American Getaway” reminds people that the state is close to major East Coast hubs such as New York City, Baltimore and Washington, D.C., with 72 million people living within a four-hour drive.
The mission to bring people to the Lehigh Valley was emphasized by Bree Nidz, Chief Operating Officer of Discover Lehigh Valley.
“We’re in celebration mode. This is not only a celebration of travel and tourism that we do every year during National Travel and Tourism Week, but it’s also a celebration of Discover Lehigh Valley’s 40th anniversary of operation,” Nidz said. said.
“We have been providing inspiring experiences for the past 40 years. [and] “We are truly pursuing our mission to strengthen the Lehigh Valley’s economy through visits to Dorney Park, the Easton Farmers Market, historic Bethlehem, the PPL Center in Allentown, and the National Museum of Industry,” she said. It focused on the places and events that shaped the region as a destination. History, music festivals, etc.
“It’s always important to remember where we come from,” Niz said, presenting data showing that 48% of tourists in the region come to visit friends and relatives. We need to be dedicated to ensuring that residents and local businesses understand the value.” The customer will bring it to you. ”
That’s why Discover Lehigh Valley continues to build and strengthen its ambassador program, which aims to develop lifelong learners who can talk about events, activities, and attractions in the region and beyond.
Ambassadors can take courses or show their support and join the Ambassador community through the Discover Lehigh Valley website.
Nidds said Discover Lehigh Valley continues to evolve its program and has a prototype in development that will be rolled out over the next year or so, which is what motivates people to become Lehigh Valley ambassadors.
“We’re going to see more of that as ambassadors will be able to really engage with businesses and really experience the places they’re sending visitors to,” she said.
During the event, the Ambassador of the Year award was presented to Murtaza Jaffer, co-owner of EBC Printing & Signs in Lower Macungie Township.
The Legacy Award went to Vikas Joshi and Joshi Hotel Group, which has hotels in Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, as well as Wilkes-Barre and the Pocono area.
