2 min read March 2024 — Pittsburgh’s tourism industry is primed for a transformative decade ahead as the city tourism arm’s 10-year action plan accounts for major event opportunities and leveraging key infrastructure assets, but the city will need to embrace new and exciting ways of reaching a wider audience that could start with the National Football League (NFL) Draft.
Last month, the Pittsburgh Steelers organization officially made a bid to bring the NFL Draft to Steel City in 2026 or 2027. As a historic football town, Pittsburgh’s opportunity to host the league draft would combine the city’s passion for sports and ambitions to drive tourism to the region.
“As the City of Champions, Pittsburgh has developed a robust reputation as a key host city for major sports events. From hosting the National Senior Games in 2023 to now submitting Pittsburgh’s bid for the NFL Draft, our range of accommodations, venues and infrastructure are well-poised to welcome global events, collegiate championships, major spectator tournaments and more,” said Jerad Bachar, CEO of VisitPittsburgh, in a written response to Invest:.
VisitPittsburgh’s 10-year action plan aims to diversify tourism experiences, improve connectivity, and promote sustainability while engaging local communities and stakeholders. Through collaborative efforts, the plan seeks to position Pittsburgh as a vibrant destination, preserving its cultural heritage and embracing digital innovation for enhanced visitor engagement.
“Maintaining this status and enhancing our capabilities are core components of the Tourism Development Plan. Here, we outline more than 40 strategies and 80 action items to develop our in-market experiences, connectivity, and hospitality workforce — all of which support our growing sports and leisure tourism sectors,” Bachar noted.
Pittsburgh’s waterways also offer a unique opportunity for greater connectivity and sustainability-focused events. The city has invested in initiatives like Kayak Pittsburgh’s new Downtown Community Hub, which is set to launch later in 2024. This project, located outside the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, provides residents and visitors with a novel mode of transportation to explore Pittsburgh’s scenic waterways, further enhancing the city’s appeal as a destination for conventions and events.
To attract more visitors, the city stands to benefit from any rail service expansion that comes from the latest planning at Amtrak. So far, talks have linked the Pittsburgh area to Dallas/Fort Worth by train.
Pittsburgh’s industrial heritage also shapes its tourism landscape, blending historical sites with modern innovation. From steel mills to cutting-edge technology, the city’s diverse industries provide a compelling backdrop for visitors to explore. As tourists delve into museums and revitalized neighborhoods, they witness Pittsburgh’s transformation from a steel powerhouse to a dynamic hub of culture and innovation.
From cultural assets and major event bids to leveraging infrastructure, the tourism sector could deliver on the city and region’s growth in a big way. But for now, Pittsburgh is on the clock.
[UPDATE: This article was updated to reflect the correct surname of Jerad Bachar.]
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