October 27, 1998
Lehigh - Northampton Airport Authority Receives 1998 Tourism Award

Lehigh Valley, Pa. - Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority officials announced today that the Airport Authority has received the 1998 Tourism Award from the Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors' Bureau. The Tourism Award is presented each year to the individual or organization that has made a significant contribution toward the enhancement of the tourism industry in the Lehigh Valley. The award was presented to the Airport Authority at the LVCVB's Annual Meeting held at the Lehigh Valley International Airport.

The Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority understands the vital role tourism plays in not only the airport's growth, but also to the economic stability and the quality of life in the Lehigh Valley. "The Airport Authority values its partnership with the Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors' Bureau. This partnership has played a major role in ensuring the success of several new routes that the airlines have started at LVIA during the past five years," reported Bruce Tarletsky, director of business development for the Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority. Tarletsky cited numerous joint marketing ventures undertaken with the LVCVB in promoting the region and the airport's new Toronto nonstop service to the Canadian marketplace as a major factor in the continued success of Air Canada's Air Ontario service that started in September of 1996.

The Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority was chosen for the 1998 Tourism Award based on their outstanding contribution in marketing the region, along with the airport, according to Mary Ann Bungerz, executive director for the Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors' Bureau. "The Airport Authority is to be commended for helping to create an identity for the Lehigh Valley and for supporting regional growth. Their aggressive efforts in attracting new carriers and increasing passenger traffic coincide with the marketing activities of the LVCVB," said Ms. Bungerz. She went on to say, "Working on promotions with the Airport Authority's marketing and customer service staff has been helpful in raising awareness of the Lehigh Valley with travel agents, corporate meeting planners and the general public."

The Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority owns and operates the Lehigh Valley International Airport. The airport is located near Allentown, Pennsylvania, and serves a 12-county area with a population of 2.3 million people. The airport is easily accessible from all communities in Northern New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania.