Mission Statement: VisitErie is the leader of marketing and economic development for tourism.

• The Erie Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (EACVB) was formed as a division of the Erie Area Chamber of Commerce in 1961 and was formally named the “Erie Tourist and Convention Bureau”. The Bureau, designated as the official Erie County Tourist Promotion Agency (TPA) by local elected officials, was formed in order to take advantage of the newly established Pennsylvania state tourism matching funds grant program that was established the same year. For the next 40 years, the Bureau applied for and received annual grants and continued to respond to tourist information requests and promote Erie as a vacation destination.

• The EACVB separated from the Erie Area Chamber of Commerce in July 2001 and became a stand-alone 501c-6 organization. The Bureau was re-designated the official Tourism Promotion Agency for Erie County which positioned the Bureau to be the recipient of 20% of the hotel bed tax that was enacted in 2001. It also allowed the EACVB to continue to participate in the PA State tourism grant program. In April 2005, the EACVB became a membership program-based organization offering incentives and cooperative initiatives to promote member businesses.

• In 1999, The Erie Tourist and Convention Bureau initiated a 6 county marketing collaboration called “Adventures in Northwest Pennsylvania” In 2004 the region evolved into a 4 county TPA marketing alliance and was renamed Pennsylvania’s Great Lakes Region (PGLR). The 4 county PGLR including Erie, Crawford, Mercer and Venango is recognized by the PA State tourism office as a regional tourism marketing leader.

• Since its separation from the Erie Area Chamber of Commerce, the organization has taken on the responsibility for managing three visitor centers, established a Convention Sales Department, a Communications Department and a Sports Marketing Commission. Promotional programs include an enhanced web site, tourism packages, a dedicated membership and other marketing initiatives. The EACVB currently employs 5 full time staff and 9 part time employees. The 2007-2008 budget of $832,000 is used to promote Erie as a tourism and convention destination and operate the organization.

• In October 2007, the Erie Area Convention & Visitors Bureau officially changed its name to VisitErie as part of their 3-year strategic plan.

Address: 208 East Bayfront Parkway, Suite 103 Erie, PA 16507
Phone: (814) 454-1000 or 1-800-524-ERIE (3743)
Fax: (814) 459-0241
Web Site: www.VisitErie.com
Email: Info@visiteriepa.com
Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM