Welcome to Erie, Pennsylvania’s fifth largest city and Pennsylvania’s only Port on the Great Lakes. Located on beautiful Presque Isle Bay and Lake Erie, Erie is a short drive from the major metropolitan areas of Buffalo, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Toronto via Interstates 79, 90 or scenic routes such as Route 5 (The Great Lakes Seaway Trail - An America’s Byway™), and historic Pennsylvania Route 6. Erie County is home to approximately 260,000 residents and is a true gem of Lake Erie. The Erie region offers a wide range of fun, affordable things to do. Erie’s easy to navigate street system allows for little to no traffic headaches, making it effortless to get from point to point. Make a lake escape to Erie's welcoming shores and get ready for a stress-free, relaxing adventure.
Mission Statement: VisitErie is the leader of marketing Erie’s tourism industry and promoting its economic growth.
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”. In July 2001, the EACVB separated from the Erie Area Chamber of Commerce and became a stand-alone 501(c)6 non-profit organization and was designated as the official Tourism Promotion Agency for Erie County. In October 2007, the Erie Area Convention & Visitors Bureau officially changed its name to VisitErie. Since its separation from the Chamber, VisitErie has grown exponentially. In addition to increasing its staff, VisitErie has established multiple departments: Convention Sales and Services, Partnership, Marketing and Research, Communications, and the Erie Sports Commission.
As Erie County’s official Destination Marketing Organization, VisitErie provides visitors and residents with the most up-to-date information on Erie’s tourism product through the annual Erie Visitor Guide, ‘Hello Erie’ App, VisitErie.com, social media platforms, and other avenues.
Erie’s tourism industry is the third largest in Erie County, annually generating more than $1.2 billion in visitor spending and more than 15,000 jobs. Though Erie is known for its busy summer season, VisitErie and its partners are working to transform the Erie area into a four-season destination, offering fun affordable activities for all visitors.
To request a copy of VisitErie's 2024 Annual Report, please contact Christine Temple or view it here.
VisitErie Staff:
John Oliver, President and CEO
Emily Biddle, Director of Marketing and Research
Christine Temple, Director of Communications
Janice Friedrichsmeyer, Director of Partnership
Hannah Stancliff, Director of Convention Sales and Services
Mary Morgan, Marketing Manager
Katlyn Shouey, Administrative Coordinator
Erie Sports Commission Staff:
Mark Jeanneret, Executive Director
Ben Huggler, Event Services Director
Sydney Dietz, Events and Marketing Manager
2025 VisitErie Board of Directors:
Board Chair - Gus Pine, Erie Events
Vice-Chair - Terry Cascioli, Decision Associates
Treasurer - Karen Thomas, Pineapple Eddie Southern Bistro
Secretary - Elliott Ehrenreich, Phillips Lytle LLP
Past Chair - Carla Higgins, ERIEBANK
Kathy Dahlkemper, Erie Events/Erie Co. Convention Center Authority
Anne DiPillo, Red Letter Hospitality
Sara Harris, Pulakos Chocolates
Gary Hendricks, Presque Isle Downs and Casino
David Hugar, iHeart Media Erie
Paul Leroux, Cobblestone Inn and Suites
AJ Moore, Lake Erie Speedway
Doug Massey, Erie County Government
Lance Rihn, Scott Enterprises
Joe Spano, Mercyhurst University Athletics
Stacy Tupek, Courtyard Erie Bayfront Hotel
Matthew Greene, Presque Isle State Park, DCNR
Rock Copeland, Erie County Council
Derek Martin, Erie International Airport
Aaron Loncki, City of Erie, Mayor's Office
Anna Frantz, Erie-Western PA Port Authority
Tia Book Cellar is an independent bookstore offering new and bargain books, unique gifts, puzzles, and games for all interests and ages. Located across from Gibson Park in North East, their brand embodies the local business model and the local grape heritage. Tia's believes that "there is always … local, an alternative, and a story." They look forward to helping you discover your next read or gift here.
Five Iron Golf is blurring the lines between indoor golf and entertainment. State-of-the-art simulators and world-class instruction meet premium events and amenities plus delectable food and cocktail menus.
Edinboro Community and Economic Development is a regional Edinboro area non-profit committed to fostering positive community-wide growth. Through economic and civic initiatives, the ECED seeks to empower the Edinboro community to effectuate targeted change to meet current needs and build regional resilience. Edinboro is a unique area where rural and urban values intersect, and the best "small town America" qualities shine.
A Creative Building in Erie's Little Italy. If you are looking for an authentic place eat and hang out in, you've found the right place! Presley and Pear Arts and Crafts recently opened and is a unique and inspiring place to take the kids during the day & for adults to attend Creative Workshops in the evenings!
Join us on Erie’s beautiful bayfront for a new experience from the creators of Oliver’s Rooftop restaurant. Oliver’s Beer Garden is an outdoor facility with great views of the Erie Bayfront and the nearby Bicentennial Tower. Enjoy craft brews, signature cocktails, and refreshing drinks served alongside delicious food from our very own food truck.
The Mazza family welcomes you to explore 3 unique locations in Lake Erie Wine Country. Sip and savor award-winning wines at Mazza Vineyards and the historic South Shore Wine Company, both located in North East, PA, and be sure to visit their combination winery, distillery and brewery, Mazza Chautauqua Cellars/Five & 20 Spirits and Brewing, in nearby Westfield, NY.
If you live more than 50 miles from Millcreek Mall, stop by the Customer Service Center to register. You’ll receive a Guest Rewards Tourism Program Luggage Tag. Scanning the QR Code on it will reveal special offers from participating mall merchants. If you spend $200 or more that day, take your receipts back to the Customer Service Center and you’ll get a FREE $20 Mall Gift Card. You get rewarded just for shopping!
Welcome to The Cove Bay-Side Restaurant and Tavern. We invite you to enjoy a unique dining experience on Erie’s Bayfront with our nautically inspired decor, a carefully crafted menu, and an unbelievable view of Presque Isle Bay. With both indoor and outdoor seating right next to the bay, we want to be your destination of choice when you “just want to get away from it all” but without having to go far.
Located on the southeast shore of Lake Erie, the Port of Erie has been promoting industrial, commercial, and recreational opportunities on the waters of Lake Erie since 1959.
Erie’s own local craft beer pubs are a must-visit! With 4 great locations, just pick one that’s convenient for you! A casual, family friendly dining experience with something for everyone! To view our menu, check out what’s on tap, or get to directions to our pubs, learn more now!”
Poverty Knob offers hand-crafted beer, cocktails, mocktails and delicious sharable food year-round. The brewery is family and dog friendly with both indoor and outdoor spaces. We offer games, music and entertainment for all ages.
UPMC Hamot is a 445-bed hospital in Erie, Pennsylvania. It is a regional hub for specialized health care, including advanced surgical services, private intensive care suites, and the area’s only accredited trauma center.
Erie Events plays a pivotal role in hosting a diverse array of events, including concerts, Broadway productions, family shows, and sporting events. Visit the five venues: Erie Insurance Arena, Waner Theatre, Bayfront Convention Center, UPMC Park and the Rebich Investments Amphitheater at Liberty Park.
ASCEND is a community hub in downtown Erie that features climbing, fitness, yoga, youth programming, and so much more. We opened up last year and would love to meet you! Visit on your own, with friends and family, or book a team-building event with your coworkers.
Located at the Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel, Two45 pays homage to the precisde moment in history that Oliver Hazard Perry bravely led the US Navy on the path to victory during the Battle of Lake Erie. As a tribute to our fair city, the restaurant offers upscale, traditional American cuisines with a focus on seafood adn coastal fare. Chef's specialities include macadmania-crusted grouper filet, premium beef cuts, and bone in tomahawk pork chop. Private dining room available.
Get ready for another season of world-class performances as the Mercyhurst Institute for Arts & Culture returns with an electrifying 2025–2026 lineup spanning genres, generations, and global influences.
In honor of its Centennial year, the Erie Zoo invites guests to be part of a century-long legacy of discovery, conservation, and connection. Throughout this year’s celebration, visitors can enjoy special events, interactive keeper talks, and up-close animal encounters that inspire curiosity and a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Whether it’s a family outing or a day of adventure with friends, the Erie Zoo continues to be a cherished destination for fun, education, and unforgettable memories.
Experience family summer fun on more than 100 great rides, slides and attractions at Waldameer!
Voted Erie’s Choice Best Hospital for eight years in a row
Experience 84 degrees all year at one of the top water parks in the country.
Fill your tank, pick up fresh food from local brands, and a six-pack to go in 40 regional locations.
Find true action with slots, table games, sports book, and horse racing.
VisitErie – 208 East Bayfront Parkway – Erie PA 16507 – (814) 454-1000 – info@visiterie.com
© 2025 Copyright VisitErie
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