Lehigh Valley tourism generates $1.4B and supports 26,000+ jobs

While many people may consider the region’s tourism industry as no more than fun and entertainment, The Lehigh Valley’s recreation and tourism industry is a major driver in the local economy. 

According to Alex Michaels, president & CEO of Discover Lehigh Valley, the agency tasked with promoting tourism in Lehigh and Northampton counties, the Lehigh Valley attracts around 16.6 million visitors annually, generating approximately $1.4 billion in revenue. 

That visitor spending supports more than 26,000 jobs across our two counties.  

The region currently has more than 7,500 hotel rooms, with roughly 600 more expected to come online by the end of 2027, representing an 18% increase over the decade. 

In fact, tourism has become such a large part of the local economy, the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation has added outdoor recreation and quality of place initiatives into its strategic plan for the first time. 

“There’s outdoor recreation, cultural arts and a lot of town square lifestyle elements in the Lehigh Valley,” said Don Cunningham, president and CEO of the LVEDC. 

He said that while recreation and tourism have always been seen as an important tool to lure businesses and skilled workforce to the region, it’s become much more than that. 

“Tourism has grown into a job producing sector all of its own,” Cunningham said. 

The Lehigh Valley boasts a wide variety of recreational destinations from large draws like Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom, which are opening for the season in May to smaller pocket venues . 

Even having a wide range of quality restaurants representing different cuisines and styles is important to the quality of life said Katelyn Mack, president of Linc Lehigh Valley, an organization which helps new residents integrate into the community. 

Mack said restaurant variety is one of the top queries she gets from people looking to relocate to the area for a job. 

She said partnering with the local tourism industry is important in her work. 

“There’s national data that shows tourism is a key component of getting people here,” Mack said. 

And again, it doesn’t have to be big. She met a couple at a fun run in Bethlehem and when she saw them at another event later, it turns out they had moved from New Jersey to Bethlehem. 

“They said ‘we loved it so much we decided to move to Bethlehem,’” Mack said. 

In fact, she said questions about “what is there to do on the weekend” are up there with questions about crime, affordability and schools when people are considering a move to the area. 

Many agree that it’s not just the size that matters. 

Speaking at a recent Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber event, Maggie Reilly, director of asset management for City Center Group in Allentown, said that having a variety of entertainment venues helps with a community’s economic development. 

For example, in Allentown there are two popular venues, the PPL Center, which hosts the Lehigh Valley Phantoms hockey team as well as larger concerts, but the Archer Music Hall, which City Center opened recently brings its own value. 

“The smaller size venue draws people downtown multiple times a week,” she said. While PPL Center might draw larger crowds – thousands versus hundreds – the events happen less often can have a different impact on downtown. 

Of course, the region does have big players in tourism and one of those is ArtsQuest. 

Discover Lehigh Valley noted that the arts organization’s programming delivered a record $192.7 million in economic impact in 2025. 

That’s a 34% increase over the prior year.  

“These numbers reflect a destination that has real momentum,” said Michaels. 

Last year, ArtsQuest’s largest annual event, Musikfest, generated more than $121 million in economic impact alone.  

Michaels said ArtsQuest and Bethlehem are a strong regional tourism draw to the Lehigh Valley, noting that each year, events like Christkindlmarkt and the Moravian Church Settlements continue to welcome new overnight visitors. 

Bethlehem becoming designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site is expected to draw in even more international and regional travelers. 

But other parts of the Lehigh Valley have their own draw. 

“Allentown’s contribution is steadily growing year after year,” said Michaels. “The Da Vinci Science Center’s move downtown has created an incredible opportunity for visitors to spend a full day experiencing cutting-edge, hands-on science exhibits, exploring world-class art at the Allentown Art Museum, and catching a show or Phantoms game at PPL Center. Dorney Park deserves mention too, with its consistent innovations bringing the most popular amusement park trends to the region.” 

Easton also has its share of tourism clout. 

“The city has developed a wide array of options for all types of visitors,” Michaels said. “The Easton Farmers’ Market is one of the oldest continuously operating markets in the country and continues to draw visitors eager to experience the goods our local farmers produce. The Crayola Experience is an iconic destination for families in the Northeast, and it is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. And of course, you can’t forget events like PA Bacon Fest and Garlic Fest, which draw thousands of food-focused visitors who then stay for dinner, explore the shops, and return again.” 

Michaels said it’s not just one large venue boosting the Lehigh Valley’s tourism economy, it’s all of the little and big pieces working together.  

“The attractions of Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton are making a significant impact on the region,” he said.