Holiday shopping isn’t just about getting the best deal on a flat-screen television or gaming console. The post-Thanksgiving shopping fest that includes Black Friday and Cyber Monday now has a relatively new entrant: Travel Tuesday.

Travel Tuesday takes place on the Tuesday after American Thanksgiving and is a day when shoppers seek out deals on travel-related purchases such as flights, hotel accommodations, and cruises. An American creation, Travel Tuesday is already crossing international borders, according to a report released by McKinsey and Company earlier this month. According to McKinsey, online searches for Travel Tuesday are highest in the U.S. and Canada but growing steadily in the U.K., Australia, Netherlands, and Spain.

Those markets also happen to be countries where the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB) already courts international travelers to visit Philadelphia. Staying on top of trends like Travel Tuesday can mean millions for the region’s economy. International tourism is vital for the region’s economy. In 2023, 1.1 million international visitors spent $579 million in the region, generating an economic impact of $956 million.

“The PHLCVB already has active representation in 10 international markets, so we’re utilizing that representation to amplify our messaging during this key travel decision-making period,” said Pattie Gillett, Media Relations Manager for the PHLCVB. “People are making their choices about their 2025 and 2026 travel now, and we need to make sure Philadelphia is in the mix.”

Keeping Philadelphia in the mix means highlighting six key attributes about the city that are particularly attractive to international travelers:

Accessible East Coast Location

According to the Michelin Green Guide, Philadelphia is the “best port of entry on the East Coast” for inbound U.S. travelers. With nonstop service from hubs across Europe on major international carriers, and a central location less than two hours from New York City and less than three hours from Washington, D.C., Philadelphia’s location on the East Coast makes it a preferred entry point for travelers.

America’s Birthplace

For travelers looking to learn more about American history, Philadelphia is an ideal first stop. It’s where both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were written and signed, and where the first U.S. presidents lived. Today, Philadelphia is home to 68 National Historic Landmarks, many of which are contained within America’s “most historic square mile” in Old City.

Philadelphia’s Walkability

International travelers rank walkability as an important factor in choosing a travel destination. Philadelphia has been named the 2023 and 2024 Most Walkable City in the U.S. by USA Today’s 10Best Reader’s Choice Awards. Thanks to founder William Penn’s smart, simple grid street design, the heart of the city is easy to navigate, even for visitors.

The Deliciously Diverse Food Scene

Thanks to extensive coverage in travel and food media and high-profile awards in the culinary world, Philadelphia has risen to prominence as a must-visit destination for foodies. Travelers who visit any time of year can have their fill of an amazing array of global cuisine and award-winning restaurants and food markets, from the must-try tacos at South Philly Barbacoa to the legendary tasting menu of Israeli cuisine at Zahav to the vibrant flavors of the Southeast Asian Market.

Iconic Street Art, Fine Art, and the Performing Arts

For travelers seeking arts and culture, Philadelphia is an (often unexpected) urban treasure. The city boasts premier art museums and galleries such as the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Barnes Foundation, and the Rodin Museum, incomparable public art (including over 4,000 community murals produced by Mural Arts Philadelphia), and top-notch live performances presented by Ensemble Arts Philly, including the renowned Philadelphia Orchestra — one of America’s Big Five orchestras.

A Passion for Sports

Philadelphia is a “must-visit” American destination for sports fans. All year long, visitors can experience the excitement of a live game at the Philadelphia Sports Complex where four professional teams play. In addition, 2025 and 2026 give sports fans many reasons to travel to Philadelphia for one-of-a-kind events and matches:

• WWE Friday Night Smackdown — March 2025
• FIFA Club World Cup 2025 — June and July 2025
• Savannah Bananas World Tour — July 2025
• PGA Championship — May 2026
• FIFA World Cup 2026 — Summer 2026
• 2026 MLB All-Star Game — Summer 2026

McKinsey’s data suggests that we may only be at the beginning of the Travel Tuesday phenomenon. For Philadelphia, the opportunities to promote the city to international travelers when they are ready to book will only increase. And the PHLCVB will be ready to tell Philadelphia’s best stories.