About VisitErie

Mission Statement: VisitErie is the leader of marketing Erie’s tourism industry and promoting its economic growth.

VisitErie is the official Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) for Erie County, responsible for promoting the region as a year-round destination for leisure travel, conventions, and sporting events. One of the VisitErie's primary goals is to generate overnight stays that result in positive experiences, repeat visits and changed perceptions. A 501(c)6 organization, VisitErie is funded primarily through a percentage of the Erie County hotel tax, as well as dues from our more than 300 tourism partners.

VisitErie strives to inspire travel to Erie County through an extensive four-season, out-of-market media campaign, and provide visitors and residents with the most up-to-date information on Erie’s tourism product through a variety of promotions and activations. The organization comprises staff that works in marketing and research, communications, partnership, conventions, and sports (the Erie Sports Commission). VisitErie has been awarded locally and nationally for a variety of products, campaigns, and leadership. 

Tourism is Erie County's third-largest industry, generating more than $1.2 billion in visitor spending annually and supporting an average of 15,000 local jobs. 

To request a copy of VisitErie's 2024 Annual Report, please contact Christine Temple or view it here.

About Erie, Pennsylvania

Welcome to Erie: Pennsylvania’s fifth largest city and only port on the Great Lakes.

At the heart of the region is the lake that shares our name: Lake Erie. But it goes so far beyond that. Erie is a one-of-a-kind place to forget the day-to-day, with scenic trails to wander, miles of sandy beaches, and just about every water activity you could fathom. It's a timeless, favorite family vacation spot and a city on the rise, where creatives, makers, innovators and entrepreneurs are celebrated, and bringing renewed energy to Erie's shore. The result? A cool, charming small city brimming with unique shops, cultural happenings, and mouth watering dining.

Erie is a destination where all are welcome to experience their version of the good life.

Basic Facts about Erie, Pennsylvania

• The City of Erie was founded in 1795 and named after the Eriez Nation, a Native American tribe who once lived along the southern shores of Lake Erie.
• Approximately 270,000 people reside in Erie County, including 93,000 in the City of Erie (2020 Census).
• Erie County encompasses approximately 1,558 square miles (including land and water) with Lake Erie to the north, Ohio to the west, and New York to the northeast
• Erie is easily accessible from Buffalo, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Toronto via I-79, I-90, or scenic routes such as Route 5 (The Great Lakes Seaway Trail – An America’s Byway™) and historic PA Route 6.

Accolades and Notables

• Presque Isle State Park is Erie’s top attraction and is the most visited state park in Pennsylvania, drawing millions to its shores each year.
• Erie is a Certified Welcoming City, recognized for its LGBTQIA+ inclusive policies and immigrant-friendly atmosphere. The City of Erie has scored a perfect 100 out of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign's Municipal Equality Index (MEI) three years in a row. 
• Erie’s refugee and immigrant population is robust, representing more than 50 nationalities.
• Erie was once home to one of the busiest shipbuilding operations on the Great Lakes and is referred to as the “Flagship City” in honor of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry’s U.S. Brig Niagara, which is homeported in Erie.
• Smith’s Hot Dogs, made in Erie since 1927, are a hometown staple and one of the region’s most iconic local foods.
• Erie Insurance is a Fortune 500 company headquartered in downtown Erie, with more than 6,000 regional employees.
• Waldameer Park & Water World, established in 1896, is one of the oldest amusement parks in the country.
• The Erie Art Museum is one of the oldest arts institutions in Pennsylvania.