Organization History

Established in 1984, Discover Lehigh Valley® makes Lehigh and Northampton counties a premier destination through marketing and image building that increases the number of visitors, the number of nights they stay, and the number of things they do in the region.

We keep locals and visitors abreast of all things happening in the region. Visitors can explore things to do, upcoming events, themed itineraries, and hotel packages.

A Look Back At How We’ve Grown

1984 | Northampton County Tourism Council and Allentown / Lehigh County Tourist and Convention Bureau approved merger to form Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau.

1985 | The organization’s first office at ABE Terminal Building officially opened.

1986 | Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau’s corporate mission was defined.

1987 | Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau gave away a 1988 Plymouth Horizon as part of a promotion to make local residents and visitors aware of the many attractions and recreational opportunities available in Lehigh Valley.

1988 | The inception of partnership-driven programs, such as cooperative advertising and coordinated sales efforts with attractions and hoteliers, began.

1989 Lehigh Valley Covered Bridge brochure was developed and tour signs were installed by Lehigh and Northampton counties.

1990 | Produced the first Lehigh Valley video used as an area image piece.

1991 | Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau coordinated the first promotional brochure for the Delaware and Lehigh Navigational Canal Heritage Corridor.

1992 | Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau was instrumental in hosting the U.S. Senior Open at Saucon Valley Country Club.

1993 | First Zenith Award, our award that is presented to a meeting, convention or group that has made a significant economic impact on the region, was presented to Dr. William Ayers of PA Science Teachers Association.

1994 | Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau created a highly successful “Industrial Heritage Familiarization Tour” to increase year-round business from the group tour market.

1995 | Visitor kiosk unveiled at I-78 Welcome Center in Easton.

1996 | Crayola Factory opened its doors.

1997 | Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau coordinated the development of the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail.

1998 | The official Lehigh Valley Tourism website was launched with more than 100 pages of content.

1999 | Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau’s Board of Directors voted to support a group interested in promoting Lehigh Valley as a location for filmmaking, and the Lehigh Valley Film & Video Council was formed.

2000 | Lehigh Valley as a location for filmmaking, and the Lehigh Valley Film & Video Council was formed.

2001 | Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau hosts its first radio show.

2002 | Lehigh Valley Sports Commission held its first meeting at Nazareth Speedway.

2003 | Historic Bethlehem partnership accepted as a Smithsonian PA Affiliate.

2004 | Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau celebrated its 20-year anniversary.

2005 | Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau’s Board of Directors passed a resolution in support of a slots casino in Lehigh Valley.

2006 | The Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau relocated to the Butz Corporate Center in downtown Allentown.

2007 | Lehigh Valley IronPigs unveiled their first logo.

2008 | Lehigh Valley Wine Trail received American Viticultural Area distinction.

2009 | The Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau’s Board approved a resolution supporting table games, noting the significant economic spending it could bring to the region.

2010 | Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau changed its name to Discover Lehigh Valley.

2011 | Discover Lehigh Valley, through a Regional Marketing Partnership (RMP) with the state of Pennsylvania, introduced Stay & Investigate: Haunts & Historic Horrors, featuring Lehigh Valley locations said to be haunted or having a horrific story associated with them.

2012 | Discover Lehigh Valley hosted the Mid-Atlantic Tourism Public Relations Alliance (MATPRA) Media Marketplace, welcoming DMOs and travel writers to the region for four days of education and fun.

2013 | The oldest building on the former Bethlehem Steel site, the stock house, was transformed into a bright and vibrant Visitors Center.

2014 | PPL Center opened, sparking Allentown’s rebirth.

2015 | Discover Lehigh Valley engaged North Star Destination Strategies to assess its effectiveness in marketing Lehigh Valley as a destination. It was also a record-breaking year with more than 1.4 million hotel room nights sold.

2016 | Discover Lehigh Valley® received its registered trademark and partnered with i76 Solutions and Vault Communications to further enhance and develop the brand.

2017 | Discover Lehigh Valley® partners with Simpleview to launch this new website!