VisitErie Reports Summer 2023 Visitation Numbers
Erie, PA: The summer of 2023 brought about promising results in Erie's visitation numbers, as reflected in the latest statistics provided by VisitErie, Erie County's official destination marketing organization. In studying visitor traffic numbers from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend, increases were seen in visitor guide requests, overnight visitation, hotel occupancy, and average daily rate (ADR) when compared to the same period in 2022. VisitErie's summer campaign targeted designated market areas in Pittsburgh, Johnstown/Altoona, Harrisburg, Cleveland, Akron, and Youngstown.
Summer 2023 Erie County Visitation Highlights:
- Erie Visitor Guide requests from target markets increased 187% overall, compared to 2022.
- The percentage of visitors who stayed overnight was 63.3%.
- 57.8% of visitors were from out-of-state, an increase of 11.8% compared to 2022.
- Hotel occupancy averaged 70.9%, a 6% increase compared to 2022.
- Hotel average daily rate (ADR) was $137, a 2.2% increase compared to 2022.
- VisitErie's share of the hotel tax revenue was 7.8% higher compared to 2022.
"This summer was an exceptional season for our region", VisitErie President and CEO John Oliver stated. "The increase in out-of-state visitors is of particular importance to us because it lets us know that VisitErie's summer promotional efforts are working. It's a positive sign that Erie is solidifying its position as a premier Pennsylvania and Great Lakes destination."
Visitor data analyzed is compiled through Smith Travel Research reports and Zartico Destination Operating System®, a national research company that uses anonymized cell phone geolocation data to track visitor activity. Visitors are defined as individuals who have traveled more than 50 miles from their home location, stay in Erie County for more than two hours, and visit at least one defined point of interest. Using this information, VisitErie studies Erie County visitor trends, including what markets visitors are coming from, how long they are staying, what they spend their money on, and what they are doing while here. The valuable information generated also allows the organization to look at visitor activity for specific seasons, geographic regions, or significant events.
