The Greater Pittsburgh Convention and Visitors Bureau is downsizing, not its operation but its name.

VisitPittsburgh will replace Greater Pittsburgh Convention and Visitors Bureau, ever the mouthful, in business dealings, advertising and marketing, although the bureau will retain its former moniker as the corporate name.

The bureau settled on VisitPittsburgh after spending $15,000 to poll customers, convention planners, government officials and its board to determine their preferences. Board Chairman Jeffrey Letwin said 80 percent of tourists and 66 percent of bureau constituents preferred VisitPittsburgh. Other names considered were ExperiencePittsburgh, TourismPittsburgh, DiscoverPittsburgh, TravelPittsburgh and the Greater Pittsburgh Visitors Bureau. VisitPittsburgh currently is the bureau's Web address.

Officials said they decided to change the name in part because of confusion over the bureau's role in the region. Mr. Letwin said many people believed the bureau managed the David L. Lawrence Convention Center or was part of its operation. However, that is not the case. While the bureau helps to market the center for conventions, it has no role in its operation. Its chief role is to market southwestern Pennsylvania as a tourism destination.

Other visitors bureaus also have shortened their names. Milwaukee's is now Visit Milwaukee, Charlotte's is Visit Charlotte, and Detroit's is Visit Detroit. The Pittsburgh bureau gradually will replace its former name with VisitPittsburgh on letterhead and promotional materials to avoid extra expense. Greater Pittsburgh Convention and Visitors Bureau will remain the legal entity.