CITY FOCUS | PHILADELPHIA

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in 2017-18 , Philadelphia reigns supreme as one of the most popular historic destinations to visit in the US . The birthplace of Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution , the vibrant city welcomed over 43mn people in 2017 , with 38mn visiting solely for leisure purposes .

Housing a diverse 1.6mn population , composed of 643,763 black residents ( 41 %), 543,137 white residents ( 35 %), as well as Hispanic ( 14 %) and Asian residents ( 7 %), over 319,000 citizens within Philadelphia speak a second language .

Previously renowned for its textiles and ironworks , as well as its shipbuilding , locomotives and strength within the oil , glass , coal and steel sectors , the city has sought to modernize and attract new and upcoming talent in a number of new industries . Witnessing eight years of consistent visitation growth , fully supporting its food and beverage , lodgings , transport , recreational and retail facilities , visitor spend within Greater Philadelphia rose to US $ 7.1bn in 2017 , a 4 % rise from $ 6.8bn in 2016 .

NOVEMBER 2018