2026 will be an impactful year across the U.S., with national celebrations centered on America’s 250th anniversary, regional recognition of the Route 66 Centennial, and host city involvement for the FIFA World Cup.
By Annie Jirapatnakul, Global Tourism Sales & Services Manager, Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB)
Philadelphia, in particular, is preparing for an extraordinary 2026, a year that will transform how visitors experience the city. The 250th celebrations will take place throughout the year, offering visitors a chance to explore Philadelphia’s role as the birthplace of American democracy through special exhibits, anniversary events, and citywide programming. Then, the excitement will reach new heights as Philadelphia hosts six FIFA World Cup matches, with both milestone events overlapping on July 4, when the city will host a round of 16 match and the nation’s largest Independence Day celebration.
These major events will showcase the city’s welcoming spirit, inviting visitors from around the world to experience Philadelphia’s walkable neighborhoods, diverse food scene, and vibrant atmosphere. While this may seem like a daunting time to plan group travel, tour operators should leverage the events in this milestone year to create once-in-a-lifetime experiences for their groups.
Legacy projects are in the works
First and foremost, tour planners can coordinate with local destination marketing organizations, like the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau. These destination experts are resources that can provide key insights, offer advice, and even send hotel RFPs to help make planning a group visit a breeze.
Choosing a destination hosting a milestone event also lends itself to a unique visitor experience. For example, legacy projects are in the works that will impact residents and travelers for years to come. As part of the 250th anniversary, Philadelphia’s historic 9th Street Market (known for its appearance in Rocky Balboa’s famous training montage) is undergoing a revitalization and preservation project. Lemon Hill, a notable area of Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park, will be home to FIFA’s fan festival, resulting in park and infrastructure renovations that will be enjoyed by the community and visitors alike.
As the birthplace of America, Philadelphia is also embracing this milestone year with a wave of new and refreshed experiences for groups that highlight Philadelphia’s rich history and vibrant culture. Many of Philadelphia’s attractions and museums are investing in renovations and developing new exhibits and galleries to debut, ensuring exciting experiences for visitors to discover.
A seamless visitor experience
Open at the Museum of the American Revolution through January 2027, “The Declaration’s Journey” exhibition explores the history and global impact of the Declaration of Independence from 1776 to today. Debuting in early 2026 at The Franklin Institute, the world premiere of “Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition” will give visitors an inside look at the storytelling, innovation, and world-building behind Universal’s legendary creations.
Tour operators can also rest easy knowing these milestone-hosting destinations are working tirelessly to ensure a seamless visitor experience. In Philadelphia, the tight-knit relationship between the hospitality industry, business community, and city representatives also means Philadelphia’s leaders understand the value of tourism and prioritizing improvements and development efforts through collaboration to ensure Philadelphia succeeds in 2026. Through this collective effort, Philadelphia and its partners are creating a stronger, more connected visitor experience that will leave a lasting impact well beyond 2026.
Tour planners should feel inspired to lean into 2026’s extraordinary events to build exciting itineraries for their groups. With unique exhibitions, legacy projects, significant anniversaries, and excitement in the air, there’s no better time to visit Philadelphia. Together, the 250th anniversary celebrations and the FIFA World Cup will create unforgettable moments and new ways for group travelers to experience Philadelphia, as a city of history, electric energy, and global connection.
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Bio: A native Philadelphian, Annie Jirapatnakul, has spent the past 15 years with the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB), where she began her career as an intern and advanced through a series of roles to her current position as Global Tourism Sales & Services Manager. Throughout her tenure, she has been dedicated to promoting Philadelphia as a premier destination for visitors and groups, showcasing the city’s rich history, cultural attractions, and dynamic culinary scene. Passionate about her hometown, Annie enjoys exploring Philadelphia’s diverse neighborhoods and discovering new restaurants and cuisines that embody the city’s vibrant spirit.
