According to data released by the U.S. Department of Commerce/National Travel and Tourism Office (http://travel.trade.gov), the length of time overseas travelers stayed in the Philadelphia region overnight in 2014 increased by 14.2 percent over 2013. Not only this Philadelphia attracted 620,000 overseas visitors last year, the majority of whom were leisure travelers, with dramatic growth seen in the number of visitors from Asia, a 14.2 percent overall increase. Chinese visitors increased 52 percent over 2013 to 61,000 and Japanese visitors increased 40 percent to 21,000, despite an overall decrease in Japanese visitors to the U.S. While most overseas visitors to Philadelphia still came from the U.K. (87,000), the growth in Asian visitors marks an important achievement for the city.

At the India Mission PHLCVB showcased its myriad features of History, Arts and Culture, Dining & Nightlife & Shopping. Known for its history, arts and culture, vibrant street life, world-class restaurants and outdoor life, Philadelphia offers a budget-friendly metropolitan experience for all travelers.  Right from the guided tour of Independence National Park showcasing the magnificient history to ballet, theatre and orchestra Philadelphia has been tagged as America’s No.1 city for culture. The city is home to world class cuisine prepared by celebrity and award winning chefs and is a shopping haven for visitors. With so many features to allure one to make Philadelphia a destination worth visiting, one actually cannot live without marveling and making memoirs of lifetime while being there.

Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau will soon launch a specialist educational programme for Travel agents. The plan is to add Philadelphia specialist badge to the existing “USA Discovery Program” for the Indian travel trade.

Being the most affordable destination on the east coast Philadelphia is a sure shot place to explore.