Bus tours bring $271 million to Philadelphia economy

A new report shows riding the bus into Philadelphia has a major impact on the area economy.  Tourism officials are seeking to expand the number of people who come to town that way.

 

About 1.4 million people come to the Philadelphia region via motorcoach tours.  Fritz Smith of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau says the typical bus tour traveler is a senior citizen.

 

“There’s also a very significant component of the market which is student group trips,” said Smith.  “The student market has become increasing important to Philadelphia  about 35 percent of the overall mix.  Philadelphia is really the greatest place for an eighth or 11th grade civics class for those kids to learn about history, what better place than where America started.”

 

Smith says bus travel is currently a $271 million market for the city.  He says Philadelphia and the surrounding counties are working together to cultivate the market.