The Philadelphia Visitor Center and Visit PA have opened a new location in the Philadelphia International Airport’s Terminal A-West, providing travelers with visitor information and a gift shop full of souvenirs from across the state.
“This summer is one of the most exciting moments in Philadelphia’s history, and first impressions matter. The Philadelphia Visitor Center at Philadelphia International Airport ensures we make a great first impression on travelers joining us from around the world,” says Kathryn Ott Lovell, president and CEO of the Philadelphia Visitor Center and Philadelphia250. “In partnership with Visit PA, our team will provide immediate access to trusted information and local recommendations that will help visitors make the most of their time in Philadelphia and throughout Pennsylvania.”
The new visitor center and gift shop debuted June 29, around the same time Philadelphia began welcoming many visitors for FIFA World Cup matches, MLB All-Star Game and U.S. semiquincentennial celebrations. Located steps away from the city’s Rocky statue, the new visitor center serves as a first stop for travelers in the city.
MarketPlace PHL represents the new store and visitor center at the Philadelphia International Airport. Dana Krawchuk, marketing and guest experience manager of MarketPlace PHL, notes that this new store is a unique concept for the airport.
“The store is a great opportunity to showcase all the unique things we have in the city and across the state. This store has been a welcome addition in one of the busiest years we’ve had at the airport,” says Krawchuk.
The 1,000-square-foot visitor center also features a curated selection of souvenirs and gifts, along with official Rocky merchandise through a partnership with Sylvester Stallone’s officially licensed brand, the Sly Stallone Shop. Krawchuck says the Rocky souvenirs have been some of the store’s most popular items.
“With this year being the 50th anniversary of the film, it has a lot of exposure,” she says.
The new airport visitor center and store also feature a postcard station through Visit PA that invites visitors to mail complimentary postcards to friends and family.
“That station has been incredibly popular,” Krawchuk says, adding that visitors can choose one of eight to 10 different postcard designs to mail from the station. “They’ve mailed 500 postcards to 17 different countries and all over the U.S. so far. The postcards are provided free to mail out. It’s been a lot more popular than they thought it would be, and people are talking about it.”
The store also stands out with some souvenirs from local vendors as well, such as tote bags from Ana Thorne and stationery from Laughing Owl Press.
“We’re excited to have this store in the airport,” Krawchuk adds. “They’re doing a great job representing the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, bringing in small businesses through souvenirs.”
