Philadelphia, PA…January 5, 2017 - The Philadelphia Convention & Visitors (PHLCVB) is pleased to announce the appointment of Atlantic Link as its in-country representation firm based in Copenhagen to expand on its current efforts and serve as an extension of the PHLCVB team in the Nordic region.

Atlantic Link will work with tour operators on creating itineraries that incorporate Philadelphia and take advantage of the great value and world-famous landmarks the city offers. The opening of an in-country office increases opportunities for the PHLCVB team to engage more frequently with the travel trade, media, and consumers to enhance Philadelphia's image through consistent messaging opportunities.

“The PHLCVB team has worked actively and successfully in the Nordic market over the last several years by building awareness through travel trade and press opportunities and we're beginning to see the results of our efforts, said Julie Coker Graham, President and CEO of the PHLCVB. “Since 2015, we have seen an increase in visitation from this region and we are projecting a 21% growth in the Scandinavian market by 2020.”

Additionally, the launch of Icelandair's non-stop service from Reykjavik in May 2017 makes Philadelphia a top gateway for travel to the east coast of the U.S. This new flight increases access to Philadelphia from Scandinavia and offers convenient connections from more than 25 European cities.

“We are pleased to welcome Icelandair and look forward to hosting visitors from that region and around Europe,” said Philadelphia International Airport CEO Chellie Cameron. “With this addition, we are proud to offer service from five international carriers and we will have non-stop flights to 35 international destinations. This enhances Philadelphia's position as a gateway city easily accessible from Europe.”

In 2017, PHLCVB's outreach plans to attract more visitors from the Nordic region include participation in trade shows and regional workshops as well as global public relations efforts to grow awareness of Philadelphia and inspire travel. With the opening of the new Copenhagen office, PHLCVB now has seven international representation offices – China, Denmark, India, Italy, France, Germany and the UK that cover 15 markets globally and position Philadelphia as a premier destination. Overseas visitation to Philadelphia has been steadily growing and in 2015 represented $982 million in economic impact for the city.

To find out more about PHLCVB's work in the international markets, visit www.discoverPHL.com/international or to view the overseas market snapshot for Philadelphia click here.

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About Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau
Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB), www.discoverPHL.com, a private non-profit membership corporation, is the official Tourism Promotion Agency for the City of Philadelphia globally, and the primary sales and marketing agency for the expanded Pennsylvania Convention Center. The PHLCVB competes with its counterparts worldwide for convention and tourism business. The organization has divisions dedicated to the multicultural, sports, and life sciences markets.

About Atlantic Link

Atlantic Link, is an award-winning agency in its field having won a Danish Travel Award for 'Best Tourism Office' (U.S. Virgin Islands) in 2012 and 2013, 'Best Tourist Destination' (USA) for six successive years since 2011, and honorary awards in 2009 and 2011. In 2014 and 2016, Atlantic Link also received the prestigious Gazelle Award, given to fast growing companies by the Danish Financial Times. Amongst its clients includes NYC & Company, Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism, Visit California, San Francisco Travel and San Francisco International Airport, Disneyland Paris, Kimpton Hotels and many other clients in the tourism industry.