Philadelphia is a city that has a rich history and cultural heritage. It is a place that attracts tourists from all over the world.
The city is known for its iconic landmarks like the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. But have you ever wondered how much money Philadelphia makes from tourism?
Tourism industry in Philadelphia
Philadelphia’s tourism industry is a significant contributor to the city’s economy. According to Visit Philadelphia, the official tourism website of the city, in 2019, there were approximately 46 million domestic visitors to Greater Philadelphia. These visitors spent around $7.7 billion in the region.
The economic impact of tourism in Philadelphia
Tourism generates revenue for businesses in various sectors such as hotels, restaurants, transportation services, and retail stores. According to a report by Tourism Economics, in 2019, tourism supported around 103,000 jobs in Greater Philadelphia and generated $1.55 billion in tax revenue.
Top tourist attractions
Philadelphia has several popular tourist attractions that bring millions of visitors every year. Some of these include:
- The Liberty Bell
- Independence Hall
- Philadelphia Museum of Art
- Reading Terminal Market
- The Franklin Institute Science Museum
These attractions not only provide entertainment for tourists but also contribute to the city’s economy.
The impact of COVID-19 on tourism in Philadelphia
The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the tourism industry worldwide, including Philadelphia. Due to travel restrictions and safety concerns, many tourists canceled their trips or postponed them indefinitely.
According to Visit Philadelphia, in 2020, domestic visitation fell by approximately 51%, and spending by visitors decreased by around $4 billion compared to the previous year. The pandemic led to the closure of several hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions, resulting in job losses and a decrease in tax revenue.
The road to recovery
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Philadelphia’s tourism industry is slowly recovering. The city has implemented safety protocols and guidelines to ensure that tourists can visit safely. Visit Philadelphia has launched several campaigns to promote tourism and attract visitors back to the city.
According to a report by Tourism Economics, it is estimated that in 2021, domestic visitation in Greater Philadelphia will increase by approximately 57%, and spending by visitors will increase by around $5 billion compared to 2020. This is good news for the city’s economy and the businesses that rely on tourism.
Conclusion
In conclusion, tourism is an essential contributor to Philadelphia’s economy. It generates revenue for businesses, creates jobs, and provides entertainment for visitors.
Although the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the tourism industry worldwide, Philadelphia’s tourism industry is slowly recovering. With safety protocols in place and promotional campaigns launched by Visit Philadelphia, it is expected that the city will continue to attract millions of visitors every year and generate billions of dollars in revenue.