Philadelphia CVB expansion behind room-building frenzy
As many as 18 hotels are in various stages of planning or construction in Philadelphia as developers and operators attempt to capitalize on the imminent expansion of the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
The city will need 2,000 to 2,400 new hotel rooms, according to research by PKF Consulting and the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corp.
In addition to the 18 Center City proposals, another four each are planned for University City and the Philadelphia International Airport.
Much of the growth is predicated on the planned expansion of the convention center, which would put it in the Top 15 among convention centers nationwide, by 2010.
One thing that has solidified in recent months is the beginning of the expansion project, as demolition of the blocks needed for the center’s expansion is slated for later this month.
“The Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau kicking its sales campaign into high gear,” says the Philadelphia Business Journal.
“We want to change the perception of what Philadelphia is. We are a great destination. We just need people to know that,” said Jack Ferguson, executive vice president of the PCVB, which this week outlined its strategic plan.
Report by David Wilkening
David
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