The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) is a private, non-profit organization that promotes leisure travel to the five-county Philadelphia region (Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties). Recognizing that leisure tourism could be an important industry for the city and region, the City of Philadelphia, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and The Pew Charitable Trusts founded GPTMC in 1996. The next year, GPTMC launched the first consumer campaign inviting people to visit.[1] Today, Greater Philadelphia welcomes 10 million more leisure travelers annually than it did in 1997.[2]
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GPTMC makes Philadelphia and The Countryside® a premier destination through marketing and image building that increases business and promotes the region’s vitality.[1]
Hundreds of love letters penned by the city itself invite people—families, outdoor lovers, culture vultures, couples, sports fans, festival-goers and everyone else—to visit. People find the letters everywhere, from billboards to Facebook to hotel welcome banners.[1]
By adapting the love letter campaign, GPTMC reaches the Hispanic audience through traditional media, social media and partnerships with Hispanic media outlets and attractions.[1]
Showcasing the region’s creative scene and historic legacy, GPTMC’s African-American campaign attracts young, tech-savvy visitors.[1]
This tourism campaign and consumer educational program highlights the delicious flavors of Philadelphia’s 100-mile (160 km) foodshed—from Amish Country to the Atlantic Ocean.[1]
America’s most historic square mile is also Philadelphia’s biggest draw. GPTMC highlights the area’s significant history, as well as its enticing restaurants, fun bars, edgy theaters and fashionable boutiques.[1]
An early adopter of gay and lesbian marketing, GPTMC launched its LGBT campaign in 2003, and Philadelphia was the first destination in the world to broadcast a gay-themed television commercial.[1]
As of August 2011[1]: