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Discount Vouchers for European Visitors to Philadelphia Make Shopping a Pleasure (The lyrical Swann Fountain, above, designed by Alexander Stirling Calder and located at Logan Circle on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, is one of thousands of works of public art throughout Philadelphia. Photo by Jim McWilliams. Copyright Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau) Now there are even more reasons to come to Philadelphia for a shopping holiday. The Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PCVB) has created added-value coupon vouchers that offer additional savings at Philadelphia's biggest malls and some of its hottest shopping districts. (Colonial
characters, below, presented by Historic Philadelphia, Inc., bring history to
life throughout Independence National Historical Park and the historical district,
with entertaining and educational performances. Photo by Edward Savaria, Jr.
Copyright Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau)
The vouchers are now available through more than 20 tour operators in the United Kingdom and will soon be available through tour operators in Germany, France and Italy. These added-value vouchers and tax-free savings (on clothing and shoes) allow visitors to save on their trip. International travelers can get the added-value vouchers from their tour operator or travel agent when they book a trip to Philadelphia and exchange them for discounts offered by nine of the best shopping spots in Philadelphia. (Philadelphia's
Italian Market, below, is the oldest and largest working outdoor market in the
United States. This colorful corner of South Philadelphia offers fine imported
and domestic products, kitchenware, fresh pastas, cheeses, spices, meats, dry
goods and fruits and vegetables. Photo by Edward Savaria, Jr. Copyright Philadelphia
Convention & Visitors Bureau)
These spots include: Franklin Mills Mall, one of the nation's largest discount malls in the U.S.A.; King of Prussia Mall, one of the largest retail shopping malls in the U.S.A.; The Gallery at Market East, the largest downtown mall in the U.S.A.; Rittenhouse Row, Center City's upscale shopping and dining district; The Shops at the Bellevue, featuring Nicole Miller, Tiffany & Co. and Polo Ralph Lauren; The Shops at Liberty Place, with more than 60 popular shops located in a glass-domed atrium; East Passyunk Avenue, an assortment of shops located in the heart of South Philadelphia; Jewelers' Row, the oldest and one of the largest diamond districts in the U.S.A., with more than 300 jewelers and designers; and University City District, a vibrant collegiate district with a mix of trendy shops and boutiques.
(The Delaware River Waterfront, left, offers a dazzling array of dining possibilities, from low-key and casual to elegant and upscale. The Moshulu, a four-masted sailing ship with a unique history, provides guests with elegant fare and riverfront views. Photo by John Perlmutter. Copyright Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau) The vouchers come in a handy, easy-to-use wallet-sized envelope and have information about the participating shopping areas, location information (including maps), hours of operation, Web sites, discounts and voucher exchange information. The vouchers are good through April 2005 and the PCVB has plans to re-launch the program again in time for the 2005 summer travel season. Philadelphia has no sales tax on clothing and shoes, some of the biggest malls in the U.S.A. and great downtown shopping. The shopping voucher program is being promoted through the PCVB's U.K. Web site, www.pcvb.org/uk, with links to tour operators and shopping partners, and information about Philadelphia. The U.K. site also features a "shopping bag" with price comparisons to show how much international shoppers can save on popular designer and name-brand items. (Picturesque Rittenhouse Square, below, is famous for its world-class shopping and chic restaurants. During the bustling winter holiday season, shoppers crisscross the square carrying bags from fashionable shops that sell clothing, books, jewelry, art and antiques. Photo by Edward Savaria, Jr. Copyright Philadelphia Convention & Visotors Bureau)
Philadelphia is easy to get to, with non-stop flights from most major European cities and the new international terminal at Philadelphia International Airport. Visitors can choose from a variety of hotels - from luxury to budget. Shoppers can also visit Philadelphia's historical and cultural attractions, dine at some of the best restaurants in the U.S.A., and wear some of their new purchases to dance the night away at Philadelphia's hottest nightclubs. Philadelphia, a dynamic place where big city excitement meets hometown charm, is famous as America's birthplace of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
The "cradle of liberty" offers much more than cobblestone streets and historical landmarks. Cultural, culinary, artistic and ethnic treasures abound in this city and its surrounding countryside. Philadelphia is also the fifth-largest city in the United States. For more information about Philadelphia, visit www.pcvb.org. (Click below for more travel).
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