Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation

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. Today, Greater Philadelphia welcomes 10 million more leisure travelers annually than it did in 1997.

Mission

GPTMC makes Philadelphia and The Countryside® a premier destination through marketing and image building that increases business and promotes the region’s vitality.

Current Campaigns

With Love, Philadelphia XOXO®

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.

Con Cariño, Philadelphia XOXO

By adapting the love letter campaign, GPTMC reaches the Hispanic audience through traditional media, social media and partnerships with Hispanic media outlets and attractions.

Philly 360°®

Showcasing the region’s creative scene and historic legacy, GPTMC’s African-American campaign attracts young, tech-savvy visitors. 2009 Creative Ambassadors: The Roots, King Britt, Ethel Cee, Rah Crawford, Maori Karmael Holmes, Khari Mateen, Rich Medina, Syreeta Scott and Stacey "Flygirrl" Wilson.

Philly Homegrown®

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.

Historic Philadelphia

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.

Philadelphia – Get Your History Straight and Your Nightlife Gay®

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.

Board of Directors

As of August 2011:

• Manuel N. Stamatakis, Chair

Founder and CEO, Capital Management Enterprises

• Rhonda R. Cohen, Esquire, Vice Chair

• Robert Asher

Co-Chairman, Asher’s Chocolates

• David G. Benton

Vice President and General Manager, The Rittenhouse Hotel

• Robert W. Bogle

President and CEO, The Philadelphia Tribune

• Craig R. Carnaroli

Executive Vice President, University of Pennsylvania

• Nicholas DeBenedictis

Chairman and CEO, Aqua America, Inc.

• John H. Estey, Esquire

Partner, Ballard Spahr LLP

• William Fitzgerald

General Manager, DoubleTree by Hilton Philadelphia Center City

• Melanie Johnson

City Representative, City of Philadelphia

• Honorable James F. Kenney

Councilman-at-Large, Philadelphia City Council

• Jonathan Newman

CEO and Chairman, Newman Wine and Spirits

• Agnes M. Ogletree

Chief Operating Officer, Transitional Work Corporation

• Marsha R. Perelman

Chair, Board of Trustees, The Franklin Institute

• William R. Sasso, Esquire

Chairman, Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP

• Honorable Tom Corbett

Governor, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

• Honorable Michael Nutter

Mayor, City of Philadelphia

• Fred A. Shabel, Chairman Emeritus

Vice Chairman, Comcast Spectacor

• Meryl Levitz

President and CEO, GPTMC

External Links

• Visit Philly, Greater Philadelphia's official visitor website
• uwishunu, insiders blog