New entertainment additions to help grow region’s $1.3 billion tourism economy

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While the Greater Lehigh Valley may just seem like home to those of us who live here, it’s actually a large tourist draw for the region.

The Lehigh Valley’s tourism and hospitality industry saw over 16.6 million visitors in 2022 and the industry generated $1.3 billion in revenue.

The sector continues to grow with a number of recently completed or announced additions to the attractions in the area.

In Easton, a major new attraction opened at the start of August. HangDog, which is being billed as the largest outdoor ropes course in the Northeast, offers not only a seasonal ropes course but a wide range of other entertainment to go with it.

The venue will also have a lights show, a craft beer garden, gourmet food truck, cafe, and live music venue, promising something for people of all ages.

“We are thrilled to open HangDog, a space that will be much more than just a climbing adventure,” said owner Mike McCreary. “It will be a place for creating unforgettable memories with friends and family as you enjoy inspiring live music, food and beverage options suitable for everyone.”

For next year, Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom will be introducing a first of its kind in the Northeast coaster to be known as the Iron Menace.

Described as a “dive” roller coaster, which boasts a steep initial drop and looping track, it’s the first new roller coaster that Dorney has added to the park since the opening of Hydra in 2005 and is expected to be a big draw to the park.

“The Northeast’s first dive roller coaster is one of the largest capital investments in park history,” said Jessica Naderman, vice-president and general manager of Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom. “With an exciting backstory that loosely connects riders to our area’s rich industrial roots, Iron Menace will become the eighth thrilling roller coaster at the park, bolstering what has been an impressive lineup for well over a decade.”

The addition of these attractions is good news said Alex Michaels, president and CEO of Discover Lehigh Valley, the agency charged with promoting local tourism.

“Lehigh Valley’s new tourism amenities like Dorney Park’s new roller coaster and the HangDog ropes course will have a positive impact on the local economy by attracting visitors, creating jobs, and stimulating spending in various sectors,” he

said. “When tourists visit an area, they spend money on various services such as accommodations, dining, entertainment, and shopping.”

Just north of the Lehigh Valley there are some new entertainment and hospitality options that are sure to attract visitors.

As it enters the final stage of its $125 million renovation, Great Wolf Lodge Pocono Mountains has unveiled the 40,000-square-foot expansion of its indoor waterpark.

The waterpark, which is now more than 120,000 square feet, now has seven new slides, including “Slidewinder,” which lets riders slide down in single, or double-person tubes.

“With the completion of our $125 million renovation, it’s safe to say the family experience at Great Wolf Lodge Pocono Mountains is better than ever,” said Bill Colavito, general manager for Great Wolf Lodge Pocono Mountains. “We enhanced and elevated every aspect of the resort, and families that visited our resort before renovations were completed, are going to be amazed when they come back.”

He noted that the project was the largest and most extensive renovation in the lodge’s 18-year history and also included the addition of new visitor accommodations.

Michaels said the new additions are joining an already solid variety of attractions in the region.

Some of the Lehigh Valley’s major draws include the Wind Creek Resort The Crayola Experience, ArtsQuest, Historic Bethlehem, the D&L Heritage Corridor, The Iron Pigs baseball team, The Phantoms hockey team, Lehigh Valley Zoo and the Da Vinci Science Center.

“These attractions will also contribute to the diversification of the Lehigh Valley’s tourism and quality of life offerings,” Michaels said. “By providing a mix of entertainment, adventure, and leisure activities, the region becomes more attractive to a broader range of visitors and residents.”

He noted there are also an abundance of events and festivals that draw tourists to the region.

Musikfest, Christkindlemarkt, Garlic Festival, Bacon Festival, Lights in Parkway, and Easton Winter Village are all popular events that add tourism dollars to the local economy.

Musikfest alone this year drew more than 1.33 million visitors to the area.

He noted that when visitors attend these attractions and events their spending gets spread around.

“This spending has a multiplier effect, creating direct and indirect economic benefits for the local businesses and communities,” he said