Visit Hershey & Harrisburg

What Visit Hershey & Harrisburg does

Visit Hershey & Harrisburg (VHH) is a non-profit, partnership-based Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) that serves as the official tourism promotion entity for Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. The organization delivers sales, marketing, and communication programs targeting leisure travelers, meeting and convention planners, group tour operators, and sports event organizers, and it generates revenue primarily through partnership/membership fees from local hospitality businesses, digital advertising programs (Destination Travel Network/Simpleview), co-op billboard advertising (with a 50% VHH subsidy), and a Marketing Assistance Program that matches partner marketing spend up to tiered annual caps. VHH operates through three core go-to-market arms: a consumer-facing website (visithersheyharrisburg.org) supported by monthly e-newsletters and the annual printed Getaway Guide, a direct sales team for meetings/conventions/group tours/sports, and division brands including Hershey Harrisburg Sports & Events Authority and ExploreHBG, with a growing portfolio of mobile companion tools such as the VHH Trails & Experiences app and the Brew Barons Beer Trail digital passport.

The underlying technology stack is built on commodity third-party platforms rather than proprietary infrastructure. Simpleview serves as the CRM and website platform, with Destination Travel Network (a division of Simpleview) managing partner advertising placements. Visit Widget powers the VHH Trails & Experiences mobile applications for themed passports (Brew Barons Beer Trail, Sweet Treat Trail, Outdoor Adventure guide), which track check-ins, accumulate points, and unlock prizes. CrowdRiff supports user-generated content and photo contests, Google Analytics drives web traffic analysis, and Edge Hosting provides CRM data hosting under EU-U.S. Privacy Shield-certified data centers. The infrastructure is augmented by preferred-vendor relationships with DTN, Cvent, HelmsBriscoe, and Conference Direct for meeting/event procurement integrations.

VHH's customer base is structured around two interconnected sets: external visitors (leisure travelers, meeting planners, group tour operators, sports event coordinators, international visitors) and internal tourism partners (hotels, restaurants, attractions, venues, event spaces) who invest in partnership membership in exchange for lead distribution, promotional support, directory listings, marketing assistance matching funds, and billboard co-advertising. Distribution occurs through five primary channels: the official website (global digital reach), physical pickup at PA Farm Show Complex and Turnpike/visitor welcome centers (regional), USPS mail distribution of printed Getaway Guides (US/Canada), direct field sales for enterprise accounts, and a partnership network spanning 20+ breweries, 30+ murals, 22 miles of greenbelt trails, and 2.5M+ sq ft of meeting space across 9,200+ sleeping rooms.

Name

Visit Hershey & Harrisburg

Legal name

Visit Hershey & Harrisburg

Website

https://visithersheyharrisburg.org

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Visit Hershey & Harrisburg is the official non-profit Destination Marketing Organization for Dauphin County, PA, delivering sales, marketing, and communication programs to leisure travelers, meeting planners, group tour operators, and sports event organizers via partnership-based funding from local tourism businesses.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Harrisburg

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Partnership/Membership Fees: Non-profit partnership-based organization where local tourism businesses, hotels, venues, and hospitality providers become investing partners. Partners receive benefits including leads distribution, promotional support, directory listings in Travel Guide and planners, and access to marketing assistance programs.
2. Digital Advertising (DTN Program): Website advertising program managed through partnership with Destination Travel Network (DTN), a division of Simpleview. Partners can purchase advertising placements in prime high-traffic spaces throughout the website.
3. Co-Op Billboard Advertising: Co-branded digital billboard advertising program where VHH secures locations and partners purchase up to 2 billboards for up to 2 months each, with VHH covering 50% of costs. Billboards are co-branded with approximately 30% dedicated to VHH creative.
4. Marketing Assistance Program: Matching funds incubator program providing 50% match for eligible partner marketing and sales programs. Supports registration expenses, digital advertising, print, direct marketing, outdoor advertising, and social media efforts that promote tourism to Dauphin County.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Visit Hershey & Harrisburg operates the official destination marketing platform for Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, providing sales, marketing, and communication programs that promote tourism to the Hershey and Harrisburg region. The organization's core offerings include an official tourism website serving as a trip planning resource, mobile trail applications (Brew Barons Beer Trail and VHH Trails App), the annual Official Getaway Guide, meeting and convention sales services, group tour coordination, and specialized sports event marketing through its Hershey Harrisburg Sports & Events Authority division.

Product overview

Visit Hershey & Harrisburg operates as the official non-profit partnership-based Destination Marketing Organization for Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. The organization functions as a unified tourism marketing platform offering a comprehensive website for trip planning, the Brew Barons Beer Trail with companion mobile app, the VHH Trails App for themed discovery passports, and printed travel resources including the annual Official Getaway Guide. The organization also provides meeting planner services, group tour coordination, and operates specialized divisions including Hershey Harrisburg Sports & Events Authority and ExploreHBG. Additional offerings include the Dauphin County 250 Initiative for America's 250th anniversary commemoration, a hospitality job board, E-newsletter subscriptions, and the Discovery Pass for visitor discounts. The technology stack incorporates Visit Widget for mobile trail applications, CrowdRiff for user-generated content, and Google Analytics for web analytics.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Brew Barons Beer Trail: Craft beer trail featuring over 20 participating breweries and tasting locations across the region
• VHH Trails & Experiences App
• America250 PA Dauphin County

Products and services

• Visit Hershey & Harrisburg Website Official tourism marketing website for the Hershey Harrisburg Region in Dauphin County, PA. Functions as a destination marketing platform providing travel planning resources, event calendars, attraction information, and trip planning tools for leisure, business, group, and sporting event travelers.
• Brew Barons Beer Trail Themed beer trail experience featuring over 20 participating breweries and tasting locations across the Hershey Harrisburg Region. Includes a free mobile app that tracks check-ins, accumulates points, and allows users to unlock prizes.
• VHH Trails App Free mobile application serving as the region's built-in companion for discovery, offering themed passports including the Sweet Treat Trail and Outdoor Adventure guide. Each check-in earns points that unlock prizes.
• Official Getaway Guide Annual printed travel guide available for free to US and Canadian residents, featuring information on the region's biggest attractions, restaurants, accommodations, and things to do. Also available as a digital PDF.
• E-Newsletter Monthly email newsletter providing trip ideas, regional stories, upcoming events, and special deals for subscribers interested in leisure travel to the Hershey Harrisburg Region.
• Meeting Planner Services Comprehensive sales, marketing, and communication support for meeting and event planners, including venue matching, site visits, lead distribution, and coordination with local suppliers for conventions and meetings.
• Discovery Pass Pass program offering discounts and deals on attractions, dining, and accommodations throughout the Hershey Harrisburg Region.
• Hershey Harrisburg Sports & Events Authority Division of Visit Hershey & Harrisburg focused on developing and executing sports and sporting event programs for the region, promoting Hershey Harrisburg as a sports event destination.
• ExploreHBG Division of Visit Hershey & Harrisburg focused on promoting local experiences and exploration within Harrisburg.
• Dauphin County 250 Initiative Commemorative initiative celebrating America's 250th anniversary (America250PA), featuring events, activities, and initiatives that honor the nation's history and Dauphin County's contributions, with a dedicated website and event calendar.
• Hospitality Job Board Job board connecting hospitality professionals with employment opportunities at hotels, restaurants, attractions, and event venues in the Hershey Harrisburg region.
• Marketing Assistance Program Matching funds incubator program providing 50% match for eligible partner marketing and sales programs. Supports registration expenses, digital advertising, print, direct marketing, outdoor advertising, and social media efforts that promote tourism to Dauphin County. Tiered funding: Year 1 up to $4,000, Year 2 up to $2,500, Year 3 up to $1,500.
• Digital Advertising Program (DTN) Website advertising program managed through partnership with Destination Travel Network (DTN), a division of Simpleview. Partners can purchase advertising placements in prime high-traffic spaces throughout the VHH website.
• Co-Op Billboard Advertising Co-branded digital billboard advertising program where VHH secures locations and partners purchase up to 2 billboards for up to 2 months each, with VHH covering 50% of costs. Billboards are co-branded with approximately 30% dedicated to VHH creative.

Quantifiable outcome

• Nearly 300 events hosted annually at PA Farm Show Complex
• +2 more outcomes

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

22 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Hershey Harrisburg Sports & Events AuthoritycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVHH division dedicated to sports and event tourism, managing sporting events and large-scale expo coordination in the region. Operates hhsportsandevents.com for sports event promotion.
• ExploreHBGcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVHH division focused on promoting Harrisburg as a destination. Part of the official destination marketing organization structure.
• Destination Travel Network (DTN)coreTechnology or IntegrationInternet technology partner managing the website advertising program. A division of Simpleview, the company that developed the VHH website. Manages digital ad placements for partners.
• Edge HostingcoreTechnology or IntegrationCloud-based hosting provider managing VHH CRM servers. Data center is EU-U.S. Privacy Shield Framework certified, matching European data center standards.
• Giant (Corporate Sponsor)majorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor of the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center. One of the named sponsors on the official pa.gov Farm Show website.
• Destinations InternationalmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerGlobal association for destination organizations. VHH listed as member organization alongside other industry affiliations.
• US Travel AssociationmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerNational travel industry association. VHH member organization providing industry resources and advocacy.
• Brand USAmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerNational destination marketing organization for international travel promotion. VHH participates in international marketing initiatives.
• American Bus AssociationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTrade association for motorcoach industry. VHH member supporting group tour market development.
• American Society of Association ExecutivesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerProfessional association for association executives. VHH member supporting meetings and conventions market.
• Conference DirectminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGlobal meeting and event management company. VHH listed as affiliated partner.
• HelmsBriscoeminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGlobal meeting and event procurement partner. VHH affiliated organization for meeting planner connections.
• Meeting Planners International (MPI)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerProfessional association for meeting planners with Middle PA, Philadelphia and Potomac chapters. VHH member supporting industry connections.
• National Tour AssociationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTrade association for tour professionals. VHH member supporting group travel industry.
• Sports ETAminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSports events tourism organization. VHH affiliated member supporting sports event market.
• Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging AssociationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerState hospitality industry association. VHH member supporting regional tourism partnership.
• National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerCollege athletics governing body. VHH affiliated organization for collegiate sports events.
• Student & Youth Travel Association (SYTA)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerTrade association for student and youth travel. VHH member supporting student group market.
• Pennsylvania Bus AssociationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerState motorcoach association. VHH member supporting group transportation connections.
• Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDECmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional chamber of commerce and economic development organization. VHH collaborates on regional business development.
• Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerProfessional association for meeting professionals. VHH affiliated organization.
• Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo CentermajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPremier event venue hosting nearly 300 events annually with 1 million+ visitors. Major stakeholder in regional tourism. VHH is listed as corporate sponsor alongside Giant on official pa.gov site.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights8 records

Others

• Simpleview: Dominant CRM, CMS, and digital advertising technology provider for DMOs globally. VHH runs its CRM on Simpleview and partners with its DTN division for website advertising — Simpleview is the platform-level enabler for VHH's marketing stack.
• Destinations International: Global trade association for DMOs, of which VHH is a member. Functions as an industry body rather than a competitor, but defines professional standards, training, and advocacy that shape the operating environment for VHH and its peers.

Emerging players

• Miles Partnership: Destination marketing agency serving state tourism offices and DMOs with content, media planning, and digital strategy. Compares as a service-side peer addressing the same destination marketing buyer as VHH.

Broad incumbents

• Brand USA: National destination marketing organization for inbound international travel to the United States. VHH is a member partner and collaborates on international campaigns, making Brand USA a tier-above peer in scope and a critical ecosystem partner.

Direct peers

• Visit Pittsburgh: Pennsylvania-based DMO with the same state-level association footprint (PRLA, PA Bus Association) and a comparable mix of urban tourism, conventions, and sports event bidding. Strongest in-state structural peer.
• Visit Baltimore: Non-profit DMO serving Baltimore with similar GTM focus on leisure tourism, meetings and conventions, and group tours. Geographic and demographic overlap with VHH's 2-hour drive market from the East Coast megacities.
• Visit Philadelphia: Official DMO for Greater Philadelphia, a peer organization with the same partnership-based non-profit model, multi-segment GTM (leisure, MICE, international), and a similar role of coordinating venue sourcing, lead distribution, and destination marketing for a regional tourism economy overlapping with VHH's 2-hour catchment.
• Visit Orlando: Major non-profit DMO with comparable function (theme-park-anchored leisure marketing, MICE leads, sports event services) and a similar reliance on a single iconic attraction (Hersheypark/DISNEY) for branding leverage. Useful as a scaled-up structural peer.
• Destination DC: Official DMO for Washington, D.C., operating as a non-profit partnership organization that markets the destination to leisure and convention audiences and provides meeting planner services. Comparable in structure, mandate, and member-funded revenue model.
• Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA): Convention and visitors authority with heavy convention and event-services focus, owned/operated venue exposure at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Useful as a structural benchmark for DMO/authority governance.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/VisitHersheyHBG
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@padeptofag
• Facebookfacebook.com/HersheyHarrisburg
• Instagraminstagram.com/dauphincounty_parksrec
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/hershey-harrisburg-regional-visitors-bureau

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Visit Hershey & Harrisburg