Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation
Encyclopedia
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.
Bucks County, Pennsylvania
- Industry and commerce :The boroughs of Bristol and Morrisville were prominent industrial centers along the Northeast Corridor during World War II. Suburban development accelerated in Lower Bucks in the 1950s with the opening of Levittown, Pennsylvania, the second such "Levittown" designed by...
, Chester
Chester County, Pennsylvania
-State parks:*French Creek State Park*Marsh Creek State Park*White Clay Creek Preserve-Demographics:As of the 2010 census, the county was 85.5% White, 6.1% Black or African American, 0.2% Native American or Alaskan Native, 3.9% Asian, 0.0% Native Hawaiian, 1.8% were two or more races, and 2.4% were...
, Delaware
Delaware County, Pennsylvania
Delaware County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of 2010, the population was 558,979, making it Pennsylvania's fifth most populous county, behind Philadelphia, Allegheny, Montgomery, and Bucks counties....
, Montgomery
Montgomery County, Pennsylvania
Montgomery County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania, in the United States. As of 2010, the population was 799,874, making it the third most populous county in Pennsylvania . The county seat is Norristown.The county was created on September 10, 1784, out of land originally part...
and Philadelphia
Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
-History:Tribes of Lenape were the first known occupants in the area which became Philadelphia County. The first European settlers were Swedes and Finns who arrived in 1638. The Netherlands seized the area in 1655, but permanently lost control to England in 1674...
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
The Pew Charitable Trusts
The Pew Charitable Trusts is an independent non-profit, non-governmental organization , founded in 1948. With over US$5 billion in assets, its current mission is to serve the public interest by "improving public policy, informing the public, and stimulating civic life."-History:The Trusts, a single...
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.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.Philly Homegrown®
This tourism campaign and consumer educational program highlights the delicious flavors of Philadelphia’s 100 miles (160.9 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