Strategy: Connectivity
City/Central Core
Road connectivity is an important feature for locals in choosing to live and visit Pittsburgh, however, the overall connectivity of the city and the county, including public transportation, road, and flight connectivity was rated as relatively poor compared to other destination features.
Similar feedback was also provided by visitors who shared transportation options and road connectivity as areas for improvement in Pittsburgh. These are ultimately basic amenities that visitors require in order to enjoy an extended stay, travel between attractions, and to fully immerse themselves in the destination.
CASE STUDIES
Downtown Memphis Tourism Development Zone (TDZ)
Located in a tourism development zone, the Peabody Hotel in downtown Memphis received approval to create a 5% surcharge for guests on all goods and services that is expected to generate more than $25 million for renovations and improvements over thirty years. Renovations will include the construction of new dining areas, a lobby refresh, and the remodeling of all guest rooms. Tourism development zones are state-enabled tax districts/neighborhoods whose sales taxes (both state and local taxes) are set aside in a TDZ fund to be used specifically on major tourism projects.
CASE STUDIES
Downtown Memphis Tourism Development Zone (TDZ)
Located in a tourism development zone, the Peabody Hotel in downtown Memphis received approval to create a 5% surcharge for guests on all goods and services that is expected to generate more than $25 million for renovations and improvements over thirty years. Renovations will include the construction of new dining areas, a lobby refresh, and the remodeling of all guest rooms. Tourism development zones are state-enabled tax districts/neighborhoods whose sales taxes (both state and local taxes) are set aside in a TDZ fund to be used specifically on major tourism projects.
CASE STUDIES
Downtown Memphis Tourism Development Zone (TDZ)
Located in a tourism development zone, the Peabody Hotel in downtown Memphis received approval to create a 5% surcharge for guests on all goods and services that is expected to generate more than $25 million for renovations and improvements over thirty years. Renovations will include the construction of new dining areas, a lobby refresh, and the remodeling of all guest rooms. Tourism development zones are state-enabled tax districts/neighborhoods whose sales taxes (both state and local taxes) are set aside in a TDZ fund to be used specifically on major tourism projects.
County/Region
Allegheny County enjoys over 200 miles of multi-use trails across nine County parks, supporting walkers, hikers, cyclists, and even horseback riders in certain segments. This incredible asset in the region offers visitors the opportunity to experience the natural wonders close to the City regardless of ability and interest. However, many trails remain disconnected – preventing further exploration of the lush green landscape by visitors.
CASE STUDIES
Downtown Memphis Tourism Development Zone (TDZ)
Located in a tourism development zone, the Peabody Hotel in downtown Memphis received approval to create a 5% surcharge for guests on all goods and services that is expected to generate more than $25 million for renovations and improvements over thirty years. Renovations will include the construction of new dining areas, a lobby refresh, and the remodeling of all guest rooms. Tourism development zones are state-enabled tax districts/neighborhoods whose sales taxes (both state and local taxes) are set aside in a TDZ fund to be used specifically on major tourism projects.
Airport
Flight connectivity is key to unlocking a city’s economic growth potential. Beyond supporting tourism and moving leisure travelers into the market, it also enables cities like Pittsburgh to attract business investment and new industries. At this time, however, the City ranks seventh in terms of direct flight connections against its competitive benchmarks, with 48 direct connections to other cities. Through the engagement process, representatives from various industries indicated growth opportunities with connectivity development, citing primary challenges in being able to attract business from the West Coast given limited flight connections.
Furthermore, with major advancements made in technology, travelers today – both leisure and business – have become accustomed to speed and convenience and are often looking for connectivity and accessibility in urban destinations, including a true one-seat express ride from airports to city centers. Although the City’s existing Airport-Downtown bus route is a fairly time competitive alternative to taxis/rideshares, average travel times range between 40-50 minutes, compared with competitors like Atlanta where travelers benefit from direct 30-minute train access from Hartfield Airport to the city core.
CASE STUDIES
Downtown Memphis Tourism Development Zone (TDZ)
Located in a tourism development zone, the Peabody Hotel in downtown Memphis received approval to create a 5% surcharge for guests on all goods and services that is expected to generate more than $25 million for renovations and improvements over thirty years. Renovations will include the construction of new dining areas, a lobby refresh, and the remodeling of all guest rooms. Tourism development zones are state-enabled tax districts/neighborhoods whose sales taxes (both state and local taxes) are set aside in a TDZ fund to be used specifically on major tourism projects.
CASE STUDIES
Downtown Memphis Tourism Development Zone (TDZ)
Located in a tourism development zone, the Peabody Hotel in downtown Memphis received approval to create a 5% surcharge for guests on all goods and services that is expected to generate more than $25 million for renovations and improvements over thirty years. Renovations will include the construction of new dining areas, a lobby refresh, and the remodeling of all guest rooms. Tourism development zones are state-enabled tax districts/neighborhoods whose sales taxes (both state and local taxes) are set aside in a TDZ fund to be used specifically on major tourism projects.