Essay Example on Philadelphia: Leveraging History to Increase Tourist Numbers

Introduction

Philadelphia is a boiling point of history and culture. History and culture are some of the factors that attract tourists to Philadelphia. However, the state faces competition from other countries hence reducing tourist numbers. Additionally, tourists are looking for an alternative experience. Therefore, the following essay analyses some of the ways Philadelphia could play up its history as a means of increasing tourist numbers.

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Network Experiences

Tourists visit different areas seeking new experiences and to meet new people. Therefore, museums and history exhibitions in Philadelphia should strive to create social interactions for visitors. However, these interactions should be balanced to ensure that visitors are not burdened by the need to keep conversations going. Therefore, these institutions should offer historical quizzes that tourists can answer or puzzles for tourists to solve. These quizzes and problems can be on large screens or standard tables. Thus, as visitors collaborate to solve the queries, they learn about the history of Philadelphia and create new relationships. Additionally, these events will increase the number of visitors.

Technology

Philadelphia should offer virtual tours of historical sites. Historical sites allow visitors to experience the thrill of events that took place (Beeho and Prentice). On the other hand, tourists do not want to feel hurried when exploring these sites. Therefore, institutions that preserve historical artefacts should offer virtual tours. Virtual tours allow visitors to experience places while in the comfort of their homes or on-site. This method is cost-effective and fun. The state does not have to develop its infrastructure since companies are offering the technology. To raise money, consumers would have to pay before accessing the tours, hence creating a revenue stream for the state. Additionally, offsite virtual tours ensure that visitors can access historical sites from any place across the globe. This option comes in handy within the current global lockdown. It would allow visitors to experience the history of Philadelphia while maintaining social distance.

Branding

Philadelphia should brand itself as a historical city. Branding involves creating an image and identity for which a company or state is recognized (Abratt and Kleyn). Therefore, Philadelphia should advertise itself as a hotpot of history. Some of the historical themes that attract tourists include slavery, governance, industrialization and arts. Additionally, due to its role in early America, Philadelphia has received several nicknames. Philadelphia offers these experiences to tourists. For example, the interaction of several races after the American civil war led to the development of an active arts and music scene. In addition, Philadelphia has the distinction of holding several firsts in American history. For instance, it was the first planned city; it had the first public library and had the first volunteer fire department. These unique features offer Philadelphia a unique identity. Therefore, developing and marketing a new brand will be cost-effective and efficient.

Partnership with Historical Cities

Philadelphia should consider twinning with other historical cities. Cities like Athens and Venice are identified for their historical features. These cities attract large numbers of tourists annually. Therefore, forming a partnership with them will result in numerous benefits for Philadelphia. Partnerships offer the city an edge over other cities. Additionally, partnerships will provide the Philadelphia human, financial and technological resources. These resources enable the state in its branding and marketing. Additionally, collaborations could introduce new products to attract tourists. Furthermore, partnerships increase the number of tourists. The cities could inform their visitors of worthy experiences in their partner states.

Host Events

National and global events are pillars of tourism plans. Hosting an event ensures that cities have visitors. These visitors explore the city when not attending to their official business. However, events like sports offer towns free publicity. Philadelphia should tap into this strategy. Possible activities include marathons and motorbike races. As competitors compete, historical sites that form the background are advertised across the globe. In addition, the events attract millions of spectators. For example, the last world cup in Russia had more than 3 million spectators (Muller). Furthermore, a majority of cities hold races as a marketing tool.

Involve Stakeholders

Philadelphia should incorporate stakeholders when making plans to attract tourists. Stakeholders should have an opportunity to offer their ideas. All ideas should receive adequate attention. Incorporating stakeholders in plan formulation ensures that there is minimal opposition during the implementation phase. Besides, stakeholders act as brand ambassadors. They inform the public of the history of Philadelphia and promote its heritage. As a result, visitor numbers are bound to increase. Stakeholders include community leaders and prominent members of Philadelphia.

Research

Philadelphia should research the demographic that is attracted to the historical sites, reasons for their attraction and why other demographic do not have a similar attitude. This research will inform the city of appropriate marketing strategies and any services that they crave. As a result, the city can carry out targeted marketing and increase its tourist numbers.

Philadelphia is a city full of history. This history is a suitable tool for attracting tourists. This is through branding, research, offering network experiences, creating appropriate partnerships and hosting events. Therefore, the city should emphasis on its history and maintain historical sites. Furthermore, tourism is an excellent source of income.

Works Cited

Abratt, Russell, and Nicola Kleyn. "Corporate identity, corporate branding and corporate reputations." European Journal of Marketing, vol. 46, no. 7/8, 2012, pp. 1048-1063.

Beeho, Alison J., and Richard C. Prentice. "Conceptualizing the experiences of heritage tourists." Tourism Management, vol. 18, no. 2, 1997, pp. 75-87.

Muller, Martin. "How mega-events capture their hosts: event seizure and the World Cup 2018 in Russia." Urban Geography, vol. 38, no. 8, 2015, pp. 1113-1132.