VisitPittsburgh predicts tourism industry will begin to bounce back with big events returning

PITTSBURGH — It’s no secret that the last two years were hard on business, restaurants and tourism.

“This is a major year for recovery, but we are already seeing that. Speaking to our restaurants, hotels, museums and even attractions, many of them are already seeing a recovery level that is getting close to 2019,” said Jerad Bachar, president of VisitPittsburgh.

To put it in perspective, Bachar said the tourism economy this year is on track to see $6.1 billion spent in Allegheny County. In 2019, that number was $6.5 billion. He believes the return of events is helping those dollars grow.

“Those are necessary for us to bring travelers and consumers to the Pittsburgh market to enjoy everything we have to offer,” Bachar said.

Through social media and digital messaging, people are finding ways to truly enjoy Pittsburgh and put money back in small business owners’ pockets. But there is always room to expand, and Bachar said it starts with the help of our neighbors.

“Tell the story. Everyone who is here is the best storyteller the best advocate we could employ, we want everyone in the region understands everything we have to offer and bring their friends and family in to visit as often as they can,” Bachar said.

Visit Pittsburgh said our region’s economy is driven by events, especially sports. The next big event in that category is the Pittsburgh Marathon this spring, which will bring 40,000 runners downtown.

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