PHLCVB: 75 Years of Service

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In 1941, a new organization joined the Philadelphia landscape when part of the Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce split off and became Philadelphia Convention & Tourist Bureau.

In the 75 years since, Philadelphia continued its growth into a world-class metropolis, much as the PCTB evolved into the world-class Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB).

So much has changed over the decades. During the 1940s, the organization that would become the PHLCVB brought about 170 meetings — and 100,000 attendees — per year to Philadelphia, generating almost $7 million per year (or about $85 million per year in 2015 dollars).

By 2015, for comparison, the PHLCVB brought 580 meetings and 2 million attendees to the city and generated $1.1 billion in economic impact.

But much also has remained the same: More than 100 PHLCVB members predate our organization. We’re proud to be associated with these long-term members as well as with all the strong businesses that have joined their ranks through the years.

Share your Philadelphia hospitality industry memories using #PHLCVB75 on social media.

Above: Battleship New Jersey launches from the Philadelphia Ship Yard, the PSFS Building dominates the skyline and a view of the waterfront.

AT A GLANCE: Changes Since 1941

• 1941 Phillies ticket: $1.25 (Grandstand seat at Shibe Park)
• 2016 Phillies ticket: $41.50 (average ticket cost)
• 1941 cheesesteak at Pat’s: 35 to 50 cents
• 2016 cheesesteak at Pat’s: $10
• 1941 Transatlantic flight: $400 (about $6,700 in today’s dollars)
• 2016 Transatlantic flight: About $1,300 to London