In the past ten years, we have seen the development of Coca-Cola Park, home of the Phillies Triple A affiliate Lehigh Valley IronPigs; The
Sands Casino in Bethlehem and its hotel, shops and event center; the SteelStacks Campus with its visitor center, performing arts venues -
both indoor and outdoor, plus movie theaters, and soon, an elevated pedestrian connection between the SteelStacks campus and Sands.
lessons were learned while serving on these boards, and they continue to influence my work today.
In the Lehigh Valley of Pennsylvania, perceptions have changed over the years as tourism has become as a sig- nificant contributor to our economy. As a result, our bureau has become a very recognizable resource, opening doors to more opportunities with local community partners. I know of no other region that has seen the rapid development of a tourism infrastruc- ture as has occurred here.
In the past ten years, we have seen the development of Coca-Cola Park, home of the Phillies Triple A affiliate Lehigh Valley IronPigs; The Sands Casino in Bethlehem and its hotel, shops and event center; the SteelStacks Campus with its visitor center, performing arts venues (both indoor and outdoor), plus movie theaters, and soon, an elevated pedestrian connection between the SteelStacks campus and Sands.
Easton has emerged as a local culinary hot spot along with its incredibly diverse arts community. Historic Bethlehem has achieved National Historic Landmark designation as a district, plus it has gained fame for its own incredibly rich dining scene. Allentown is building a state-of-the-art arena and a hotel in the heart of its
central business district. This arena will be the home of the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, an affiliate of the Flyers.
Outdoor recreational opportunities in the Lehigh Valley are growing, as well. Our trail system is expanding and becoming increasingly connected. Lehigh Valley Zoo, Lehigh Gap Nature Center, Pool Wildlife Sanctuary and others provide both recreational and educational nature opportunities. Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom continues to grow. And still, there is more! We not only have more to sell, we have recognized quality product and services. The next few years will be sensational!
I’ve been around the industry and have seen what the impact of the Internet and social media has been. I also have seen the impact of the widespread implementation of hotel taxes to sup- port promotional efforts. Change has been widespread, continuous and fast.
We have seen increased professional- ism among staff, especially in up-and- coming employees. And yet, one thing has not changed - we continue to be all about the experience.
If our partners, local attractions,
restaurants, hotels, inns and others do not deliver a high quality unique expe- rience, visitors simply will not return.
We will continue to need to be pas- sionate about our destination and our industry. Absent that passion and will- ingness to embrace change, we will be unable to continue our work.
I am confident that the current staff at Discover Lehigh Valley, being younger, passionate about their work, more agile and technology savvy, will contin- ue to make us relevant and useful for years to come.
The hospitality industry will continue to grow and prosper. There is a human need to explore and experience new places. How we learn about those places and experiences will change. Our industry needs to embrace those changes.
Embracing change and utilizing tech- nology is important, not only to Discover Lehigh Valley, but also to the rest of our industry. We will continue to be creative and responsive to the needs of our markets. We will be more open and less restricted to the “mem- ber model” of doing things. It is this kind of inclusiveness will keep us rele- vant and valuable as a local resource for planners.
As long as we, as an industry, focus on the experience for the visitor, meeting attendee and others, our industry will continue to prosper.
Mid-Atlantic EVENTS Magazine 75
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