In July, the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB) launched a new program, PHL Welcomes U! (PWU), designed to empower all Philadelphians with the tools to create meaningful, positive experiences for those who visit the City.

Accessible online, the program guides participants through real-world experiences and situations encountered on a daily basis. Skills learned throughout each course are tested through short quizzes, allowing participants to earn the designation of “Certified Hospitality Professional” (CHP) after successfully completing the program.

“The PHL Welcomes U! program emphasizes our organization’s and the City’s commitment to customer service,” said Jack Ferguson, President and CEO of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau. “We are known as the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection and this program is a true testament to our efforts in making Philadelphia a world-class destination for our convention attendees and other visitors.”

Although conceptualized within the hospitality industry, the PHL Welcomes U! curriculum is geared toward creating PHL “Ambassadors” within a variety of industry segments and special interest groups, including retail, education, transportation and city work.

The Philadelphia Parking Authority is one organization participating in the program, ensuring that city taxi-drivers are well-equipped to handle the many scenarios that may arise when dealing with visitors, many of whom are convention attendees. For more information on the program visit www.phlwelcomesu.com.