Philadelphia CVB launches PHL Health Pledge to welcome visitors back

The Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB) has launched the PHL Health Pledge, an initiative to help safely welcome back visitors to the city as it reopens for business. To support the initiative, the PHLCVB has partnered with dean emeritus of the Jefferson College of Population Health, Dr David Nash, who will be serving as the PHLCVB’s chief health adviser, to provide direct advice and guidance to meeting planners. Dr Nash will also serve as a PHLCVB-designated spokesperson on panels, and review public health guidelines, reports and protocols in order to make recommendations to meeting planner customers. Dr Nash said: “I look forward to supporting Philadelphia’s tourism leaders in reviving this critical element to our city’s economy and livelihood. By instituting the proper public health protocols, our hospitality industry should be able to safely and effectively support and protect travellers when the time comes. By incorporating the already sound and thoughtful guidelines presented by the CDC, as well as state and local public health officials, I’m confident we can develop a safe and healthy plan for all visitors.” President and CEO of the PHLCVB, Gregg Caren, said: “Before the Covid-19 pandemic, Philadelphia’s tourism and hospitality industry was one of the largest and fastest growing employment sectors with over 76,000 hospitality-related jobs in the city. These family-sustaining jobs are vital to Philadelphia’s economy. Ensuring the health and safety of our visitors is paramount to our industry’s, and our city’s, recovery. This initiative will showcase our destination’s unstoppable ingenuity, leveraging our robust life sciences industry by drawing upon their expertise to safely welcome visitors when the time is right. Our goal is to put Philadelphians back to work safely.” The PHL Health Pledge is comprised of three key components: the PHL health advisers; resources for safely reopening; and continuing education and innovation. Senior vice-president of the convention division for the PHLCVB, Kavin Schieferdecker, said: “The PHL Health Pledge and our partnership with Dr Nash serves as a strong foundation for Philadelphia’s tourism future. “When meetings, conventions and events can return, the PHLCVB and our partners stand ready to support our customers by providing health and safety resources that make Philadelphia, and our organisation, distinct in our offerings to meeting planners.” For more information and the PHL Health Pledge, click here.   Photo credit: Philadelphia skyline from SS Bridge – Kyle Huff