VisitErie is the leader for marketing Erie’s tourism industry and promoting its economic growth. Erie is Pennsylvania’s 4th largest city and the only Great Lakes Port in the Commonwealth.
1. What is your destination most known for?
Erie PA is best known for Presque Isle State Park, a year-round outdoor recreational destination for beaches, swimming, sunsets, kayaking, fishing, birding, hiking, biking and more! It is a 13-mile National Natural Landmark on the shores of Lake Erie.
2. Name one hidden gem that media should not miss when visiting your destination.
In addition to Presque Isle, another hidden gem would be our 23 wineries which make up the Lake Erie Wine Country. Because our location on Lake Erie is perfect for grape growing. Lake Erie Wine Country is the 2nd largest grape growing region in the country with over 50 miles of vineyards.
3. What plans or events does your destination have scheduled that travel media should be aware of?
That’s a tough question because of the COVID-19 crisis we are ALL dealing with. There are several major events planned for our area this summer (Discover Presque Isle Days, Celebrate Erie Days, Erie Blues & Jazz Fest, etc. but until this crisis is over, I can’t effectively speak to any of these not knowing if they will, in fact, take place.
4. What’s one feature that can’t be missed when visiting your website?
Our explore page which features 6 experiential tours! Visitors can do things like horseback riding, making pottery, charter fishing and more!
5. How did you hear about NATJA, why did you join?
I heard about NATJA years ago when I first joined VisitErie in the early 2000’s. It was at the time, out of our reach because of budgetary constraints. With our budget increasing, I was able to join more organizations and NATJA seemed to be a good fit.
6. Is there anything else you feel travel media should know about your destination?
Yes here is a brief synopsis of our region: Erie, Pennsylvania’s fourth largest city, is situated on Presque Isle Bay, one the world’s best-protected harbors, surrounded by a seven-mile peninsula opening up to the waters of Lake Erie. As a Great Lakes City, Erie boasts the state’s only seashore. Central to Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Buffalo as well as Southern Ontario, Erie is easily accessible by automobile, boat, plane, train, or bus. Explore Erie’s vibrant downtown and Bayfront districts, museums, wineries, breweries, theaters, Brig Niagara, Splash Lagoon Indoor Water Park, Waldameer Amusement Park, Presque Isle Downs & Casino!
