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Large Events, International Travelers Drive Record-Breaking Summer Visitation to Philadelphia in 2024

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Date December 2, 2024

Large Events, International Travelers Drive Record-Breaking Summer Visitation to Philadelphia in 2024

Hotel Room Nights Sold, International Visitor Spend Surge More than 8% Over Summer 2023

Crowded hallow under signs that say AAICPHILADELPHIA, November 27, 2024 – 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 weekend and Labor Day 2024, more than 1.6 million room nights were sold in Center City Philadelphia, an 8.2% increase over 2023, and the highest number ever recorded in the city, according to Tourism Economics.

In addition:

  • The record number of room nights sold is largely driven by the two-week period where Philadelphia welcomed:
    • The Alzheimer’s Association International Conference with over 12,000 people from over 100 countries.
    • The Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses at the Wells Fargo Center with over 3,000 delegates from nearly 30 countries.
    • The Liverpool/Arsenal soccer match at Lincoln Financial Field, which drew both international and domestic fans.
  • Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) grew 51% over 2023 during Summer 2024, with significant growth on the dates with overlapping demand from all three events.
  • Inbound arrivals at Philadelphia International Airport 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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About the PHLCVB:
The Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB) creates positive economic impact across the Philadelphia region, driving job growth and promoting the health and vibrancy of our hospitality industry by marketing the destination, the Pennsylvania Convention Center, and attracting overnight visitors. The PHLCVB’s work engages our partners, the local Philadelphia community as well as culturally and ethnically diverse regional, national and international convention, sporting event and tourism customers. The PHLCVB is also the official tourism promotion agency for the city of Philadelphia globally and is responsible for growing the number of international leisure visitors who come to the region each year. To learn more, visit discoverPHL.com.