Holiday Travel Statements From Regional Tourism Leaders

COVID-19 has had a sudden and devastating impact on the travel and tourism industry in terms of visitation, hotel occupancy, spending, revenue, taxes and jobs. The period from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day — the holiday travel season — is normally one of the busiest times of the year for leisure travel, impacting hotels, restaurants, attractions and related businesses in the tourism economy. 

Here’s how the agencies that promote the region’s $12.2 billion tourism and hospitality industry are approaching the holidays in their marketing efforts. 

VISIT PHILADELPHIA

“Thanksgiving — usually the busiest travel time of the year — kicks off a different holiday season from what we’ve known before. We support local and CDC safety guidelines around travel. There is plenty to do in our region. Check visitphilly.com for the latest on what’s open, holiday experiences and a focus on shopping locally. 

— Jeff Guaracino, president & CEO, VISIT PHILADELPHIA

Contact: Cara Schneider, cara@visitphilly,com, (215) 206-2034

PHILADELPHIA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT 

“Thanksgiving week will be the busiest travel period that PHL has seen since the pandemic began. We expect nearly 300,000 passengers to travel through PHL this week, and we are ready to ensure that they have a safe experience. Our focus is on enabling passengers to control their airport journey, through tools like contactless food delivery and our website’s holiday guide. This year, it’s all about planning and preparedness.”

— Chellie Cameron, CEO, Philadelphia International Airport

Contact: Florence (Flo) Brown, [email protected], Office: (215) 863-3786, Cell: (267) 303-1249

BUCKS COUNTY 

“As we welcome the holiday season, Visit Bucks County remains focused on responsibly marketing the area to support the local economy. Our hospitality partners have pivoted their operations to attract visitors while following local, state and CDC guidelines. 

With an abundance of outdoor attractions still open for the season, Bucks County is a festive place to be during the holidays. Celebrate the season with a scenic drive through the covered bridges, a visit to castles, holiday light shows and outdoor, festive, furry fun. Eat, drink, shop local and be merry while visiting the many main streets scattered throughout the Bucks County countryside.”

— Paul Bencivengo, President/COO, Visit Bucks County

Contact: Alexa Johnson, [email protected], (848) 459-0030 

CHESTER COUNTY / BRANDYWINE VALLEY

Chester County’s Brandywine Valley has launched a dual campaign to support the hospitality community so hard hit by the pandemic. “Homegrown Places, Welcoming Faces” is a hyper local marketing effort with an emphasis on humanizing the people who make our county such a special place. We are asking our local residents to shop and dine Chester County this holiday season and beyond. To the surrounding driving market, we offer “Magical Moments Await”  highlighting the sparkling lights, soaring trees and wide open safe spaces of the Brandywine Valley. Both campaigns reinforce the county’s “Simple Ask, Wear a Mask” message.

— Susan Hamley, Executive Director, Chester County Conference & Visitors Bureau

Contact: Nina Kelly, [email protected], (484) 840-7222

DELAWARE COUNTY

“As we approach this holiday season, we are promoting a “Keep the Cheer Here” campaign, encouraging safe and local shopping in the county. We want people to shop smart, shop local and do their part to help with this pandemic.  Delaware County is open and operating safely, and we welcome you to find and share some holiday cheer within our county lines this season.”

— Steve Byrne, Executive Director of Visit Delco, PA

Contact: Amy Bohr, [email protected], (610) 529-3006

MONTGOMERY COUNTY 

“While we, of course, want people to #MakeItMontco this Thanksgiving and holiday season, everyone’s safety is the number one priority. Luckily, there are still plenty of things to do safely in Montgomery County, but we strongly encourage people to check with individual businesses for COVID-19 precautions, and follow county and state guidelines to make sure it’s a happy and healthy celebration for all.”

— Mike Bowman, President & CEO, Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board

Contact: Samantha Cummons, [email protected], (610) 834-7981