(Lancaster, PA)  The Pennsylvania Dutch Convention & Visitors Bureau (PA Dutch CVB) added a second visitors center to its services today, with the formal opening of the Downtown Lancaster Visitors Center, located on the first floor of the Heritage Center Museum in Penn Square. The ceremony included remarks from Lancaster Mayor Rick Gray, Lancaster County Commissioner Craig Lehman, and Heritage Center President & CEO Peter Seibert.

The new site will operate in addition to, not in place of, the Bureau’s current Pennsylvania Dutch Country Visitors Center on Greenfield Road, Lancaster, and is the end result of The Lancaster Chamber of Commerce & Industry transitioning ownership and operation of the visitors services it provided for two-plus decades at Southern Market to the PA Dutch CVB.

“Opening the Downtown Lancaster Visitors Center in the high-visibility, high-traffic area of Penn Square will provide more opportunities to tell folks about all the things we have to offer in the city and across the county, thus both enhancing the overall visitor experience and increase the facility’s value to our tourism properties,” said Chris Barrett, president & CEO of the PA Dutch CVB.

“With the coming of the Lancaster County Convention Center and Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square, this new service is primed to take us to the next level in promoting tourism in Downtown Lancaster and throughout the countryside, and we look forward to continued collaboration with the Heritage Center and our many other partners in making this happen.”

Site specifics

Name:  Downtown Lancaster Visitors Center
Location:  First floor of the Heritage Center Museum, 5 West King St., Penn Square, Lancaster
Purpose:  Provide information to visitors and residents on tourism offerings and services in Downtown Lancaster and across the county
Hours:  Monday – Saturday from 9am to 6pm (to 4:30, Nov. 1 – Mem. Day Weekend), and Sunday from 10am to 3pm
Features:

• Travel consultants available to assist with directions and information
• Brochures and maps on area dining, shopping, lodging, attractions, etc.
• Feature displays of member attractions, shops, lodging properties, restaurants, etc.

Lancaster County is a wonderful blend of urban style and rural splendor, and the PA Dutch Convention & Visitors Bureau is dedicated to promoting its many rich cultures, from the Amish to the arts. Travelers can take in our vibrant downtown city life – featuring galleries, great dining, specialty shops, and live music – or explore some of the surrounding towns and villages to get a sampling of the heritage, food, craftsmanship, and hands-on activities for which Lancaster is famous. Visit us today at www.discoverlancasterpa.com.