PHILADELPHIA – From state officials to sports mascots, Pennsylvania is getting ready to welcome people from across the world.
The state is in the global spotlight this year, hosting a number of monumental events, including America’s 250th anniversary celebrations, the NFL draft, and six FIFA World Cup matches.
Reading was recently selected as a “FIFA World Cup Fan Zone.”
On Tuesday, Gov. Josh Shapiro and the state’s tourism office launched the “Visit PA Playmakers,” an official “welcome committee” for this year’s big events.
It aims to encourage visitors to come back for future trips, to boost the state economy.
“In the long term, we’re showing our state off to future tourists, to future businesses, to future residents, and taking advantage of this generational opportunity to elevate Pennsylvania on the global stage,” said Rick Siger, state secretary of community and economic development.
Officials expect 200 million people to visit Pennsylvania this year and $55 billion in visitor spending.