Philadelphia expects a major tourism-driven economic windfall this year, but the city needs proper strategy and preparation to ensure small businesses do not miss out, writes Sarah Huffman for Technical.ly.
With World Cup games, the MLB All-Star game, and America’s 250th birthday all coming to the region, Philadelphia is set to welcome over one million visitors and generate roughly $1 billion in economic impact. Small businesses are sure to get a short-term lift, but the bigger challenge is converting that boost into long-term growth that extends beyond Center City.
City agencies are now rolling out programs to help, with the city government and its partners highlighting events and businesses across all neighborhoods.
The Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, for example, created resource guides featuring businesses around the city for visitors to use, and the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia along with the hospitality trade association are spotlighting attractions, restaurants and other local businesses.
“We’re not going to see [another] 2026 for a long time,” said Ira Rosen, an associate professor of event and entertainment management at Temple University. “How do we make sure that we’re maintaining that momentum? A lot of really smart marketing people and visibility.”
Read more about the expected tourism windfall and how Philadelphia’s small businesses can benefit at Technical.ly.
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