• Philadelphia woos Indian tourists, 3rd largest spenders in this US city
    Times of India | 15 March 2024
  • Kolkata: Indians may be budget-conscious when planning a trip but once there, they end up spending more than tourists from other countries.

    Statistics released by the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors’ Bureau pegged Indians as the third-largest spenders among visitors to Philly, reason enough for the city on the east coast of the US to make overtures to attract more tourists from Indian cities, including Kolkata.The city of joy has a one-stop connection to Philly via Doha. Last year, 1.9 lakh travellers from India landed at Philadelphia Airport but actual Indian visitor count would be much higher as more Indians enter the US via New York, Newark, Washington and San Francisco than Philly. However, the bureau wants to change that.

    “It makes sense to enter the US through Philadelphia as immigration queues are shorter and the process a lot faster,” a representative of the bureau said. Philadelphia will be one of the 11 host cities in the US for the Fifa World Cup 2026.

    The first World Heritage City in the US, Philly has 68 natural historic landmarks. Philly is known as the mural capital of the world with over 4,400 murals, sculptures and mosaics.

    “What is also a huge attraction to Indians is the tax-free shopping and the choice of restaurants in Philly. With vegetarian and Jain food easily available and along with local favourites, it is a foodie’s paradise. It is the fourth most walkable city in the US,” the representative added.
  • Link to this news (Times of India)