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Philadelphia beats national tourism growth averages
The news keeps getting better for Philadelphia, according to new tourism reports. Total visitation (convention, business and leisure) to the Philadelphia five-county region was up 12% in 2003 to 24.2 million from 21.6 million people in 2002. Those visitors spent 19% more in 2003, than they did the year prior, pumping $6.34 billion into the local economy compared to $5.3 billion in 2002. These increases were well
above the national tourism growth averages, which were a 1% increase for visitation and a 2.6% increase in spending.

The study on visitation was conducted by D.K. Shifflet, a market research and consulting firm based in Falls Church, Virginia. The study on visitor spending was conducted by Global Insight, a company that provides economic and market forecasting services for companies worldwide. The findings were released by the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC). The national averages were compiled by the Travel Industry of America.

Leisure Segment

According to D.K. Shifflet, business and convention travel remained statistically flat in 2003, while Philadelphia gained popularity as a leisuregetaway. Here is how the Philadelphia region performed:

-- The leisure segment experienced a dramatic 16% increase in leisure visitation in 2003, compared to a 2% increase nationally.
-- Approximately 17.9 million people visited the five-county region as a leisure tourist, with about 7.9 million sleeping over in a hotel or with a friend or relative, an 8% increase over 2002.
-- From 1997 through 2003, overnight leisure visitation is up 41%.

Spending

According to the Global Insight study, in 2003, Philadelphia ranked at 16th in the nation, ahead of destinations such as Houston (17), Honolulu (18) and New Orleans (19), but behind Boston (13), Phoenix (14) and Orlando (1). Global Insight found that in Philadelphia leisure tourists spent 56% of the total $6.34 billion, or $3.58 billion. The balance was spent by convention and business travelers.

According to Global Insight, Philadelphia`s strong ranking at number 16 is credited to Philadelphia`s year-round appeal for visitors and to the mix of convention, business and leisure travel that exists in the region. The spending calculations included transportation, lodging, dining, shopping and entertainment.

These figures show that the investment in the Philadelphia region`s amenities, attractions and tourism marketing has created an exciting
experience where visitors and residents have a wonderful time, said Meryl Levitz, GPTMC president and CEO. The good times they have here contribute significantly to the economic well being of our region for now and for the future.

2003 is another solid step towards hospitality industry recovery, said Bernard Guet, general manager Park Hyatt Hotel. Tourism represents a great opportunity to help bring hotel occupancy up and the average daily rate to the pre-2000 travel year level. Rania Deimezi - Friday, December 17, 2004