PHLCVB Welcomes Global Tourism Leaders for High-Impact International Summit

Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau Welcomes Global Tourism Leaders for High-Impact International Summit

 Industry experts convene in Philadelphia to share insights for an evolving global tourism landscape

PHILADELPHIA – Today, as Philadelphia gears up for its landmark year on the world stage in 2026, the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB) hosts its International Tourism Summit, bringing together leading voices in global tourism to share insights, strategies, and trends shaping international travel.

Timed ahead of Philadelphia’s highly anticipated slate of major events in late 2025 and 2026—including the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, 2026 FIFA World Cup, 2026 Major League Baseball All-Star Game, and PCMA Convening Leaders 2026—the Summit serves as a key touchpoint for the city’s tourism and hospitality sector. The event features speakers from U.S. Travel Association, Tourism Economics, and the PHLCVB’s 10 international market representatives, alongside other industry leaders.

“We’re proud to bring many of the world’s leading tourism minds to Philadelphia to spark forward-thinking conversations as we prepare to host several major events on the world stage,” said Gregg Caren, President and CEO of the PHLCVB. “Our goal is to provide a space where industry leaders can connect and share critical, big-picture insights into the rapidly evolving tourism landscape, highlighting strategic opportunities for Philadelphia to deepen connections with visitors from around the world.”

“Philadelphia’s history has established the city as an aspirational destination for more than a million visitors each year,” said Adam Sacks, President of Tourism Economics and one of the event’s lead speakers. “While international travel is experiencing a current lull, Philadelphia’s expanding air service, combined with targeted marketing and an illustrious event calendar, paints a future replete with opportunity.”

The day-long program provides an in-depth view of the global tourism landscape—exploring key economic trends, evolving traveler sentiment, and actionable strategies to boost inbound international travel. Featured speakers include:

• Adam Sacks, President, Tourism Economics
• Tyler Gosnell, Managing Director, International Inbound Travel, U.S. Travel Association
• Gregg Caren, President and CEO, Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau
• Svetlana Yazovskikh, Vice President, Global Tourism, Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau
• Doug Lansky, travel writer and experience design expert

In addition to the speakers, the Summit will also include presentations and panel discussions featuring market experts from the PHLCVB’s ten international offices across Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Canada.

“This Summit is an opportunity to align with our partners and share the insights that will shape Philadelphia’s global tourism strategy,” said Svetlana Yazovskikh, Vice President of Global Tourism at the PHLCVB. “By understanding what matters most to international travelers, we can continue to position Philadelphia as a welcoming destination that delivers meaningful and memorable experiences.”

The PHLCVB, the global tourism agency for the City of Philadelphia, is focused on driving international visitation and strengthening the city’s position as a top-tier destination.  In 2026, Philadelphia is estimated to welcome more than 1 million international visitors, marking a transformative moment for its global tourism profile.

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About the PHLCVB:

The Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB) creates positive economic impact across the Philadelphia region, driving job growth and promoting the health and vibrancy of our hospitality industry by marketing the destination, the Pennsylvania Convention Center, and attracting overnight visitors. The PHLCVB’s work engages our partners, the local Philadelphia community as well as culturally and ethnically diverse regional, national and international convention, sporting event and tourism customers. The PHLCVB is also the official tourism promotion agency for the city of Philadelphia globally and is responsible for growing the number of overseas leisure visitors who come to the region each year. To learn more, visit www.discoverPHL.com. For high-resolution photo and video, story starters, press trip information and more, visit discoverPHL.com/press-room.