The Andy Warhol Museum has Velvet Underground-type music, while the Symphony offers classical tones in the background. Mr. Elias said he offered the bureau a break on the videos, too. Additionally, multiple meetings with each of the area's entertainment venues had to take place to determine what type of reduced pricing would be offered. Prices found on the Web site are better than normal, but each purchase must be a travel package and include an overnight stay at an area hotel. That way, the bureau will attract tourists from outside a 300-mile area, not county residents.
Tourists spend more money than day-trippers, leading to increased economic development.
She said the site is a way to fulfill the bureau's mission to draw tourists to Pittsburgh and at the same time help large and small arts groups market themselves. The last sticking point to delay the site was the legal and financial paperwork that came with linking the site with multiple theaters, hotels, restaurants and attractions. The bureau had to make sure its policies and procedures were worded correctly regarding trip insurance and cancellation policies to avoid lawsuits. The new initiatives, plus the normal maintenance of the site and continuous modifications when each theater performance and art exhibit ends or begins, cost extra. Mr. Elias said one of the proposed initiatives is a translation service for tourists.