The Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau hosted Canadian travel trade types in a SkyBox at the Rogers Centre for a game between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Philadelphia Phillies on June 8.
And while the Jays lost – 5-2 – to the Phillies, those attending there was lots of information on offer about Philadelphia and, of course, the chance to win some great prizes.
Highlights included:
- Philadelphia is an easy drive and has multiple flight access points from across major Canada airports.
- The world’s eyes are on Philadelphia as The Wall Street Journal named it the number one place in the world to visit in 2026. This top ranking highlights the city’s unique position as the epicenter of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations paired with an unprecedented year of global sporting events, noting that the electric atmosphere and the city’s convergence of history and modern culture make it the must-see destination of the year.
- Philadelphia Selected for Travel + Leisure’s “50 Best Places to Go in 2026″,Travel + Leisure selected Philadelphia for its prestigious annual “50 Best Places to Go” list, citing the city’s “electric” atmosphere and specifically highlighting the transformative new Calder Gardens as well as the city’s internationally acclaimed culinary scene—now bolstered by Michelin recognition—as primary reasons Philadelphia is a top-tier global destination for 2026.
- Philadelphia Named “Most Walkable City” in the United States — USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards named Philadelphia the Most Walkable City to Visit for the third year in a row (2023, 2024, 2025). Renowned for its pedestrian-friendly environment, the city offers a range of neighborhoods that invite exploration on foot, including Rittenhouse Square, Washington Square West, Fitler Square, and Center City East.
- 50th Anniversary of Rocky — This year Philadelphia celebrates the 50th anniversary of Rocky, the iconic 1976 film that forever linked the city to the ultimate underdog story. Throughout 2026, visitors will be able to experience special programming, screenings, and themed moments honoring the film’s legacy, alongside permanent year-round attractions such as the Rocky Statue and the world-famous Rocky Steps at the Philadelphia Art Museum.
- F1 Arcade and Time Mission — Bringing a new entertainment experience to Philadelphia, F1 Arcade combines cutting-edge Formula 1 racing simulators with food and drink in a high-energy social setting. Designed for both casual visitors and competitive racers, the venue allows guests to experience the thrill of F1 racing through immersive simulations while enjoying a lively atmosphere in the heart of the city.
- FIFA World Cup 26 — Philadelphia proudly serves as one of only 16 host cities across North America for the FIFA World Cup 2026, welcoming international teams and fans for one of the world’s most-watched sporting events. The six matches, including a round of 16 game on July 4th (American Independence Day), will be complemented with a free FIFA Fan Festival and citywide celebrations transforming Philadelphia into a shared gathering place with an unmistakable sports energy.
- MLB All-Star Game — Philadelphia will host the 96th Major League Baseball All-Star Game on July 14, 2026 at Citizens Bank Park, marking the fifth time the city has welcomed the sport’s midsummer showcase and the first at “The Bank” since its opening in 2004. All-Star Week (including the Home Run Derby, All-Star Futures Game, and the All-Star Village fan festival at the Pennsylvania Convention Center) will run in the days leading up to the Midsummer Classic, drawing baseball fans to the region at the height of summer, which return coincides with America’s Semiquincentennial, underscoring Philadelphia’s historic role in the nation and its enduring passion for baseball.
- Michelin Guide Designation — Philadelphia earns international culinary recognition with its inclusion in the Michelin Guide, marking a major milestone for the city’s dining scene. The designation spotlights Philadelphia’s diverse and dynamic culinary landscape, from the acclaimed 1-star restaurants Her Place Supper Club, Provenance and Friday, Saturday, Sunday to innovative Michelin Bib Gourmand neighbourhood spots that reinforce the city’s growing reputation as a must-visit destination for food lovers.
Go to https://www.discoverphl.com/ for more.
Caption for photo
Annie Jirapatnakul, Global Tourism Sales Manager for the Philadelphia CVB (r) and Jerry Grymek, LMA Communications and the Canadian representative (l), host media and travel agents for a night of baseball, food and fun in a SkyBox as the Toronto Blue Jays took on the Philadelphia Phillies on the evening of Monday, June 8. Canada continues to be the top international market for Philadelphia.
Tags: Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau
