Team Philadelphia Welcomes the Irish Travel Trade with Open Arms

Peter O’Hanlon (Travelbiz & Travelfinders Ireland Sales Director) was a guest of the Great Pennsylvania – American Gateway team, represented by Julie Greenhill Horan, Greg, Lisa and Melissa, at an exclusive trade evening in Dublin’s Sole Restaurant, where a select group of key Irish travel partners were treated to an immersive and highly engaging update on all things Philadelphia.

The evening showcased not just the vibrant city of Philadelphia, but the wider Countryside of Philadelphia, along with insights from the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau, reinforcing the destination’s growing importance for the Irish market.

A Destination Rich in Heritage, Culture and Connectivity

Philadelphia continues to resonate strongly with Irish travellers thanks to its deep-rooted Irish heritage, cultural connections, and shared history. As the birthplace of American independence, the city offers an authentic and compelling story that Irish visitors naturally connect with — from the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall to its thriving Irish-American communities and cultural festivals.

Beyond its historic core, Philadelphia has evolved into one of the most exciting and accessible US cities, offering a dynamic mix of world-class museums, culinary excellence, vibrant neighbourhoods, and year-round events. Its walkable layout and compact downtown make it particularly appealing for both first-time and repeat visitors.

The Countryside of Philadelphia – A Hidden Gem

A key highlight of the evening was the spotlight on the Countryside of Philadelphia, an often underutilised but highly valuable addition for the Irish travel trade. Regions such as Bucks County, Chester County, Montgomery County and the Brandywine Valley offer:

Charming small towns and scenic landscapes

Historic estates, gardens and heritage trails

Food, wine and craft experiences

Outdoor activities including hiking, cycling and river adventures

This makes the region ideal for fly-drive itineraries, multi-centre stays, and clients seeking a more immersive, slower-paced US experience beyond the city.

Aer Lingus and British Airways– Unlocking Opportunity

Central to Philadelphia’s continued growth from Ireland is the Aer Lingus direct service from Dublin, providing seamless, year-round access with US pre-clearance — a major selling point for Irish travellers and the British Airways direct service all year round from London.

This direct connectivity positions Philadelphia as both a standalone city break and a gateway to wider Pennsylvania and the US East Coast, opening up significant opportunities for the trade to package:

City + countryside combinations

Multi-destination East Coast itineraries

Heritage and cultural themed trips

Special interest travel (food, history, sports, gardens, etc.)

Strong Trade Engagement & Future Growth

The Philadelphia team reaffirmed their commitment to the Irish market, highlighting strong partnerships, ongoing investment in trade support, and a clear focus on growing visitor numbers from Ireland.

Importantly, Philadelphia also holds a special place in Irish travel trade history as the host city of the first ITAA Transatlantic Conference in 2018, further cementing its long-standing relationship with Irish agents and tour operators.

Why Philadelphia, Why Now?

With its unique blend of history, accessibility, affordability, and diversity of experience, Philadelphia is perfectly positioned to meet current consumer demand for authentic, experience-led travel.

For the Irish travel trade, the message is clear:

Philadelphia and its countryside offer a compelling, sellable, and highly accessible US product — ready to be maximised through strong air access, rich storytelling, and creative packaging.