Q & A with Fritz Smith, Vice President of the Philadelphia Visitors and Conventions Bureau

Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love, is no doubt one of the most historical locations in America, the city that gave birth to American democracy with the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. In an exclusive CND interview with Fritz Smith, vice president of the Philadelphia Visitors and Conventions Bureau, our readers will learn more about the many options this lovely location on the East Coast of the United States has to offer as a travel destination.

Q.- What’s the main focus of the Philadelphia Visitors and Conventions Bureau on Europe right now?
A.- The focus on Europe is based on the promotion of Philadelphia as a destination on the East Coast of the United States, as a place that international travelers must visit when they come to the United States. In addition to New York and Washington DC, if you’re going to visit the United States, you must come to Philadelphia because it’s the place of birth of democracy, where America began, the place where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States were signed, so it’s one of the most historical places in America.

Q.- What are the most important European countries for Philadelphia as a travel destination?
A.- The United Kingdom is our primary market, followed by Germany, France, Spain and Italy. Those are basically the five big markets for us.

Q.- What about Portugal?
A.- Portugal is a growing market. Now we have direct service with US Airways from Philadelphia to Lisbon, so it’s a market we’re going to start paying attention to.

Q.- How many European tourists travel to Philadelphia on a yearly basis?
A.- The number of European travelers who come to Philadelphia every year is about 420,000.

Q.- How many airlines fly between Spain and Philadelphia?
A.- Well, British Airways flies daily to London; Air France flies to Paris; Lufthansa flies to Germany, and the rest of the flights are operated by US Airways that cover 19 cities in Europe, including three in Spain.

Q.- How large is the budget that you’re earmarked for the European market?
A.- In Europe we’re spending about $1.2 million to market Philadelphia there.

Q.- What are the main attractions for European tourists traveling to Philadelphia?
A.- History is the number one attraction because of Philadelphia’s historical significance. But also we have museums. The Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of the finest in the United States. The city also boasts one of the best collections of post-impressionist art found anywhere in the world, and it’s at the Barnes Foundation, containing hundreds of Matisses and Cezannes. In addition to arts, culture and history, shopping is very important because in Philadelphia there are no taxes on clothing or shoes, so the city is a very inexpensive place to come shopping.