Philadelphia and the Countryside - Press Room

Families heading to the nation’s birthplace this summer will have plenty of time to explore the city thanks to the new Historic Philadelphia Hotel Package, offering a great hotel rate, free parking and tickets to various attractions, at five area hotels. Here are the details:

PACKAGE AVAILABILITY DATES: Available any day of the week through September 7, 2009

HOTEL PACKAGE ELEMENTS:

• Two-night accommodations
• Free hotel parking for both nights
• Two tickets to the Betsy Ross House
• Two tickets to the Lights of Liberty Show
• Two tickets for Philly-themed miniature golf in Franklin Square
• 50% discount on two tickets to 1776:

The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) announced a $2 million summer marketing campaign to promote Philadelphia and The Countryside® to travelers seeking history, fun and affordability. On June 1, the tourism organization will debut new Philly’s More Fun™ and Historic Philadelphia advertising campaigns, emphasizing a variety of summer experiences and value-driven hotel packages.

“With gas prices taking a bite out of visitors’ discretionary income, we want to send the message that Philadelphia is an exciting, accessible destination that’s also affordable,” said Meryl Levitz, president and CEO, GPTMC. “And once in town, visitors can easily get around on foot or

Historic Philadelphia’s convenient location makes it easy for visitors to decide how they want to arrive—by car, train, plane or bus. Philadelphia is less than two hours from New York City, less than three hours from Washington, DC and within an easy five-hour drive of more than a quarter of the country’s population. Once here, drivers can park the car for the duration of their stay because getting around couldn’t be easier. The grid-like layout makes Philadelphia a walkable metropolis, and public transportation options abound. There are also plenty of hotels that put guests right in the center of the