PHILADELPHIA, PA — Pennsylvania will deploy a new statewide “welcome committee” in 2026 to engage millions of visitors expected for major national and international events, as part of an effort to boost tourism and economic activity.
What This Means for You
- More Visitors Statewide: Major 2026 events are expected to bring millions of people — and increased economic activity — across Pennsylvania.
- Tourism Investment Expands: The state is funding programs aimed at attracting visitors and encouraging repeat travel.
- Local Communities in Focus: Events and outreach efforts are designed to drive spending beyond host cities into surrounding regions.
Governor Josh Shapiro and the state’s tourism office, Visit PA, announced Tuesday the launch of the “Visit PA Playmakers,” a program that will place teams of performers, local representatives, and content creators at major events to interact with visitors and promote Pennsylvania destinations.
The initiative is designed to coincide with a series of high-profile events in 2026, including the FIFA World Cup, NFL Draft, PGA Championship, MLB All-Star Game, and the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration in Philadelphia.
How the Program Works
The “Playmakers” program is a people-focused outreach effort that will feature individuals engaging directly with visitors through live performances, interactive experiences, and on-site storytelling.
State officials described the initiative as a way to turn large-scale events into opportunities for broader tourism, encouraging visitors to explore different regions of Pennsylvania rather than limiting their stay to event venues.
Planned activities include pop-up performances, parade-style appearances, fan engagement events, and live content creation aimed at promoting local communities and attractions.
Economic Stakes and Tourism Strategy
The program is part of a broader strategy to strengthen Pennsylvania’s tourism sector, which officials said generates tens of billions of dollars annually and supports hundreds of thousands of jobs.
According to state data, tourism contributed about $84 billion to Pennsylvania’s economy in 2024 and supports more than half a million jobs.
The state has also allocated tens of millions of dollars in recent budgets to prepare for 2026 events, including funding tied to the United States’ 250th anniversary.
Governor Shapiro said the upcoming events present an opportunity to generate long-term economic benefits by attracting visitors who may return in the future.
“The world is coming and Pennsylvania is ready to host,” Shapiro said, describing the initiative as a way to showcase the state’s culture and communities to a global audience.
Local and Regional Impact
Officials emphasized that the program is intended to distribute economic benefits across the state.
By directing visitors to explore beyond major host cities, the initiative aims to increase tourism spending in smaller communities and regional destinations.
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker said the city is preparing to welcome visitors for multiple large-scale events, while regional partners in Pittsburgh and elsewhere are coordinating similar efforts tied to the NFL Draft and other events.
Next Steps
The “Visit PA Playmakers” program will roll out in phases throughout 2026, beginning with its launch this week in Philadelphia and continuing at major events across the Commonwealth.
Officials said the program will operate alongside event partners and tourism organizations, with additional details and updates available through the state’s tourism website.
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