Philadelphia could be first American city to receive world honor

Philadelphia is being considered for a special honor. It could take years to decide whether Philly will be designated a World Heritage City.

In 2013, Philadelphia was granted observer status in the Organization of World Heritage Cities, and this past week Denis Ricard, Secretary General of the organization took a multi-day tour of the city to see if Philadelphia should be the first American city invited to join.

“In this city right now you have Independence Hall which is on the World Heritage List, but that’s all there is on the World Heritage List,” Ricard said. “Some other cities around the world have more than one site, they have a territory.”

Ricard said Philadelphia has a great deal to offer visitors.

“For instance the Navy Yard is very impressive, how you protect, how you reuse something that was in the past was so important it’s heritage and how do you protect it how do keep it alive while also keeping its original spirit.”

The designation could take years to be conferred. If is made it could bring more international tourists to town.