2 New Hotel Packages Give Philly Visitors Affordable Summer Options

 Partnership With American Express Puts $50 In Travelers’ Pockets

PHILADELPHIA, May 15, 2008 – Responding to a national trend that has consumers watching their dollars, the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation announces the availability of three affordable hotel packages for the busy summer travel season. The Philly’s More Summer Fun Hotel Package pairs a hotel stay with a $50 gift card from American Express, while the Animal Discoveries Hotel Package includes accommodations for four, tickets to popular attractions and free parking. In addition to these two new packages, the Philly Overnight® Hotel Package is as popular as ever and still includes free hotel parking.

Here’s the lowdown on each of the packages:

• The Philly’s More Summer Fun Hotel Package runs from May 23 through September 7, 2008. It’s available at nearly 30 hotels and can be booked on www.gophila.com/summerfun beginning May 23. Each two-night package comes with a $50 American Express gift card that can be used anywhere that accepts American Express.
• Perfect for families, the Animal Discoveries Hotel Package keeps visitors busy with four tickets to the Philadelphia Zoo, the Adventure Aquarium and Ride the Ducks. The package also includes free parking, a small gift from each of the attractions and a free shuttle ride from the Independence Visitor Center to the Philadelphia Zoo. Rates start at $250 per night, and the package is available through November 30, 2008. Visitors can book their stay at www.gophila.com, or call one of the six participating hotels directly.
• The Philly Overnight® Hotel Package continues to be a crowd pleaser. Available any two nights of the week, the package is bookable at 30+ hotels and includes free parking. Rates for Center City hotels begin at $300. Visitors can reserve the package at www.gophila.com or by calling a participating hotel directly.

“Knowing that people are concerned about rising gas prices, we wanted to provide multiple options for an affordable summer getaway,” said Meryl Levitz, president and CEO, GPTMC. “Not only do these packages start at a reasonable price, but they come with some perks, including free parking or a $50 American Express gift card, that will be hard for families, friends or couples to resist.”

The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) makes Philadelphia and The Countryside® a premier destination through marketing and image building that increases business and promotes the region’s vitality. For more information about travel to Philadelphia, visit www.gophila.com or call the Independence Visitor Center, located in Independence National Historical Park, at (800) 537-7676.