PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philadelphia’s tourism industry celebrated the holidays Wednesday with the annual Convention and Visitors Bureau Luncheon, and the hot topic of discussion was 2026.
Normally, the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB) Luncheon is a time to look back on the tourism in the city over the past year, but there was a decided focus on the future this year.
Mayor Cherelle Parker said the city is ready for next year.
“It is going to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Philadelphia,” she said. “I know that our tourism and hospitality industry and our business community is going to rise to the occasion so that every visitor has an unforgettable experience.”
PHLCVB President Gregg Caren also reflected, as is traditional, on the current year in tourism.
“Over the last 12 months, Philadelphia has been on a global stage in ways we could have only dreamed of years ago,” he said.
Caren cited the recent Michelin Guide launch and the Club World Cup, but 2026 promises to surpass that. An Econsult study said the sporting events alone may generate nearly a billion dollars of economic impact.
Other attendees like Regina Hairston, president of the African American Chamber of Commerce, matched the mayor’s confidence about next year.
“I feel like when it comes to big events, the city always comes through,” she said.
Even SEPTA General Manager Scott Sauer, still recovering from a regional rail car crisis, was positive about the challenge.
“We have a lot of practice moving people back and forth to the sports complex, and we’re looking forward to it,” he said. “It’s a big event, and we love doing big events.