VisitPITTSBURGH has launched its first ever training programme for UK and Ireland travel agents to coincide with the relaunch of British Airways’ direct flights from London Heathrow on 3 June.
Created by e-learning provider Mogul, the programme gives agents an introduction to Pittsburgh, including its many unique experiences and city tours.
Each of the three modules has six lessons and a short quiz to test agents’ knowledge as they learn.
Those who successfully complete the programme will be crowned a Pittsburgh Pro and receive a PDF certificate.
Sign up and complete the first module by 10 May and you’ll be entered into a prize draw to win one of five coveted places on a VisitPITTSBURGH group fam trip, departing on the first BA flight on 3 June.
This exciting itinerary will include ‘only in Pittsburgh’ experiences such as a visit to The Andy Warhol Museum and discovering the flavours of the city with the ‘Burgh Bits & Bites food tour. To sign up, go to Pittsburgh Pros.
VisitPITTSBURGH CEO Jerad Bachar said: “We’re thrilled to be launching our first ever travel agent training programme at such a critical time.
“The UK and Ireland market is hugely important to us and the return of the British Airways direct flight from London Heathrow only serves to showcase Pittsburgh as an accessible, attractive destination for travellers.
“Pittsburgh is a city that has it all and we’re excited for our Pittsburgh Pros to learn about what makes our city so special.”
Located in southwest Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh boasts a thriving arts and culture scene, world-class dining, a range of outdoor pursuits including water sports on its three rivers, plus there are exciting events happening all year round.
Beyond the city, visitors can explore the natural beauty of the Laurel Highlands or follow the 335-mile Great Allegheny Passage to Washington DC.
Here are 10 more reasons to encourage clients to visit this summer:
It’s so easy to get there
The reinstatement of BA’s flight from London Heathrow means that, from 3 June, it will offer four non-stop flights a week to Pittsburgh.
Culture vultures will love…
…the first-ever permanent exhibition dedicated to the life of the Pulitzer prize-winning playwright August Wilson, The Writer’s Landscape. Free to enter, it’s hosted at Pittsburgh’s African American Cultural Center.
Not to be missed is the…
…immersive exhibition, GUITAR: The instrument that Rocked the World, at the Carnegie Science Center from 20 May to 30 October, where more than 70 guitars and 100 historical objects will be on display.
Blooming lovely
Impressionist Claude Monet’s most iconic works will be reimagined in a Monet in Bloom exhibition, where they will be transformed into three-dimensional, floral displays. It takes place from 7 May to 25 September at the Phipps Conservatory.
See the Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates baseball team’s home stadium, PNC Park, has been enhanced this year, making it even more family friendly with new kids play areas and fun opportunities for fans to interact with the team’s history.
You’ll be bowled over …
…at Shorty’s Pins x Pints, an old school entertainment complex in Pittsburgh’s North Shore district, featuring eight lanes of duckpin bowling, football tables, bocce courts and pinball machines. It also has a unique riverside area with outdoor firepits and a delicious menu featuring sharing plates and tacos.
Take the family to…
…Kennywood. Not only does it have many classic rides, but it will also host exciting events throughout the year including four nights of fireworks from 1-4 July, as well as live music and magic shows.
New Brews in the ‘Burgh
Pittsburgh has at least 48 breweries and it’s not short of places to relax with a drink. COVEN Brewing is the latest venue to open in Lawrenceville, focusing on hop-forward New England IPA and Saison. Inner Groove Brewing is also about to open a new tap room in Allentown.
Celebrate a special birthday
After opening mid pandemic, delicious Japanese eatery Gi-Jin, which specialises in sushi, hand-rolls and gin, is celebrating its first anniversary this month. Menu favourites include beef tataki, Hamachi and dynamite crab. Diners will want to request a table far in advance for this 2022 Yelp Top 100 honouree.
And finally….there’s all that jazz
Con Alma is a restaurant and jazz bar inspired by Pittsburgh’s rich jazz heritage. Meaning ‘with soul’ in Spanish, the venue provides some of the best food and drinks in Pittsburgh, don’t miss it!.
For more information about Pittsburgh, go to visitpittsburgh.com
