During the summer of 2024, more people visited Philadelphia than ever before, the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau announced today. Bolstered by large events including WrestleMania XL, Alzheimer’s Association’s International Congress, and new nonstop transatlantic routes from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), convention attendance and international visitation spend during the crucial spring and summer seasons exceeded pre-pandemic levels.
At the Bureau’s Annual Luncheon event celebrating Philadelphia’s hospitality community, PHLCVB President and CEO Gregg Caren announced that between Memorial Day and Labor Day 2024, more than 1.6 million room nights were sold in Center City Philadelphia, according to Tourism Economics, an 8.2% increase over 2023, and the highest number ever recorded in the city.
In addition:
- Inbound arrivals at PHL were up close to 7% during May-August over 2023.
- International visitor spending grew 8% over 2023 during May-August over 2023.
- Year to date in 2024, international visitor spending is trending up 27% over 2023. This reflects longer stays and greater engagement with our city’s attractions, dining, and experiences.
Caren praised the over 850 hospitality professionals gathered at Philadelphia’s The Franklin Institute for “bringing the city to life” for convention attendees and international visitors.
“This city is a tapestry of history, culture, art, and innovation—and every single one of you plays a part… Philly is more than just a city—it’s an experience that calls people back time and again,” Caren said.
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker added that tourism, conventions, and events support over 80,000 workers in the region. Mayor Parker thanked the PHLCVB and said that record-setting numbers come at exactly the right time. “Thanks to the work of the PHLCVB, Philadelphia’s profile around the world has been raised by hosting major conventions, sporting events, and international visitors. All this hard work is essential as we gear up to welcome the world in 2026 — inviting everyone to experience our city’s history, culture, and hospitality.”
As America’s birthplace and First World Heritage City, Philadelphia will be at the center of the U.S. Semiquincentennial (250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence) celebration on July 4, 2026. In addition, The Philadelphia area will host several major international sporting events and conventions, including:
- Six matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026TM
- The 2026 Major League All-Star Game
- The 2026 PGA Championship
- PMCA Convening Leaders 2026
In addition to attracting large events, Philadelphia has also benefitted from American Airlines’ investment in PHL as a transatlantic gateway. In 2024, American debuted three nonstop seasonal routes from Philadelphia: Copenhagen, Nice, and Naples. The airline recently announces that all three routes would return in 2025, alongside new seasonal routes to Milan and Edinburgh, giving international travelers more opportunities than ever to enjoy the City of Brotherly Love.
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