Local Institutions Enjoy Surge in Attendance

Many local venues like the Heinz History Center, the National Aviary, and the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium have reported record attendance during the last year, despite the troubled economy.

Professor of Hospitality Denis Rudd of Robert Morris University says people are cutting down on travel costs this year, causing them to stay close to home during their time off. He says this has sparked a renewed interest in local history and landmarks, which is good news for venues like the Heinz History Center and the Phipps Conservatory. Rudd says places like that would normally raise prices during a recession, but they aren't this year due to high attendance.

Rudd says parks may also have more visitors come spring, but reduced funding could put a damper on that.