City was crucial to the founding of the United States
IAN STALKER
The Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau says added air service from Quebec City will help enable a growing number of Canadians curious about American history to explore a city that was pivotal to the very founding of the United States.
And Svetlana Yazovskikh, vice president of global tourism at the bureau, says with additional air service to Philadelphia from Quebec City in 2024, it intends to grow its investment in this market through sales and marketing activities while supporting its trade partners through sales missions, trips, and trade marketing programs.
Yazovskikh adds that those who do choose Philadelphia as their vacation destination will be able to take a walk well into America’s past.
“Philadelphia is one of only eight U.S. destinations to be included in Michelin’s distinguished collection of global guidebooks,” she reports. “And with the city’s arts and culture scene, historical significance, and acclaimed food scene, Philadelphia is an unforgettable destination.”
Tourism authorities are also quick to praise the city’s “kinetic energy,” museums and thriving restaurant scene.
Philadelphia has also increased its trade and group focus to go along with added global attention it’s receiving. In the past, the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau handled the group tour segment in Canada, but it is now handling the leisure segment as well.
“Philadelphia is rich in attractions that tell America’s story,” she continues. “For visitors who are curious about American history there’s no better place than ‘America’s most historic square mile.’ In the Old City historical district, you can walk the same streets and enter the same buildings as America’s Founding Fathers. At Carpenters’ Hall, visitors can step into the site of the First Continental Congress, where the Founding Fathers met to discuss independence. Nearby, is Independence Hall — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed. And, of course, see the iconic Liberty Bell, an international symbol of American freedom, at Independence Mall.
Last year saw the trade team join the Ontario MotorCoach Association and attend the OMCA Marketplace, and conduct a number of sales missions throughout the Greater Toronto Area, Kingston, and Montreal.
Looking ahead, it is working through Brand USA to host a virtual training webinar with Air Canada Vacations (tentatively planned for March), which will lead to a spring ACV marketing campaign and the Brand USA Canada Sales Mission planned for June.
In April, there will be a Philadelphia Orchestra tour in April visiting Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal, providing an opportunity to further meet with trade associations and agents as well
The city is looking to host its first Canada Tour Operator Travel Trade Fam, tentatively targeted for June, and there is a chance for interested agents to reach out to participate. “A lot is going on that will make Canadian trade fall for the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection,” the bureau adds.
