Philadelphia and the Countryside - Press Room

Philly’s More Holiday Fun, an award-winning campaign by the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) to promote the region’s seasonal experiences, kicks off its second year with even more great ways to celebrate the holidays in the region. The tourism campaign includes a specialized microsite, gophila.com/holidays (details below); a public relations push focused on local, regional and national media; an advertising campaign running online and in print in Philadelphia, New Jersey, Central Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley; and a hotel package. The campaign will run through January 10, 2009.

gophila.com/holidays:
Everything a visitor needs to plan an affordable and festive holiday stay in Philadelphia is available at the microsite, gophila.com/holidays. A one-stop shop for holiday planning, the site includes a gift guide with 25 great ideas under $25, along with 25 only-in-Philly holiday experiences under $25 featured on the interactive map. In addition, visitors can print out a new coupon each day for a discount at one of the 25 local stores featured in the guide. What’s more, a special contest will award one lucky shopper with all 25 gifts (valued at $512.00), plus a two-night stay at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel and transportation to the city via Southwest Airlines or Amtrak. The site also features themed itineraries for three different types of travelers: families, couples and shoppers.

The Place That Loves You Back Welcomes You Back:
GPTMC is pairing up with Sportsradio 610WIP to welcome thousands of travelers back to Philadelphia for the holidays. On Wednesday, November 26, the day before Thanksgiving and one of the busiest travel days of the year, WIP’s Angelo Cataldi and the Morning Show will broadcast live from the Philadelphia International Airport. Tourism ambassadors will be on hand to welcome Philadelphians, their friends and families to the city and to help kick off the holiday season with treats, appearances from local personalities, hotel package giveaways and tips on where to shop and celebrate over the long weekend.

Hotel Package:
A favorite all year long, the Philly Overnight® Hotel Package is the perfect hotel option this holiday season. The two-night package is available at more than 30 hotels throughout the Philadelphia region, and the free hotel parking (valued up to $75), the Philly’s More Fun™ teddy bear and the Macy’s Savings Pass, round out this unbeatable deal. The package is bookable online at gophila.com/holidays.

For more information about the Philadelphia region’s holiday happenings and to plan a trip, visit gophila.com/holidays.

The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) makes Philadelphia and The Countryside® a premier destination through marketing and image building that increases business and promotes the region’s vitality.

For more information about travel to Philadelphia, visit gophila.com or uwishunu.com, where you can build itineraries; search event calendars; see photos and videos; view interactive maps; sign up for newsletters; listen to HearPhilly, an online radio station about what to see and do in the region; book hotel reservations and more. Or, call the Independence Visitor Center, located in Historic Philadelphia, at (800) 537-7676.

Contact(s):

• Caroline Bean, (215) 599-7433
• Morgan Obidowski, (215) 599-2298