The Greg Evans Consultancy (GEC) has announced that Julie Greenhill will join the consultancy as a Director with effect from 01 January, 2018.

Greg Evans said “Julie will bring a wealth of experience and skills on board and I look forward to working with her.”

Julie has a wealth of experience crammed into her 34 years within the UK Travel Industry. Holding various roles including product and marketing managerial posts for the USA, Canada and the Caribbean.

Julie has worked in representation since 2007 and has gained respect for her knowledge and expertise. During this time, she has shared her knowledge and enthusiasm about the USA with the travel trade, journalists and consumers as to the wonders of the USA including destinations such as the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Texas, Scottsdale, Louisiana and the Deep South.

Greenhill said “I look forward to working on new and exciting projects with Greg and the rest of the team. We will focus on building and maintaining the relationships that GEC has worked hard to establish over the past 6 years and developing new opportunities for GEC. This is a busy and exciting time for the company and I am looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead.”

Please drop by and say Hi to GEC and visit our clients on Booth NA340-2 at Excel between the 06th & 08th November.

Clients on the stand include Philadelphia CVB, Philadelphia International Airport and The Countryside of Philadelphia – Brandywine Valley and Valley Forge.

With a myriad of new openings arriving into the city in 2017, there’s no time like the present to book a trip to Philadelphia, the birthplace of America.

Visitors in 2017 will be able to enjoy a number of new experiences opening in Philadelphia including a day trip of the city on the new Total Philly Tour, a cultural visit to the new Museum of the American Revolution and an immersive and educational experience with the latest Virtual Reality demonstration at the Franklin Institution.

Launch of Total Philly Tour in April

The ‘Total Philly Tour’ takes visitors through the city’s hotspots and hidden gems. Participants can relish in tasting the delicious food at Jewish delis and the famous Italian Market – the oldest and largest everyday open-air market in America – before paying homage to the unmissable sights within the historic district. This tour also includes a glimpse of public art and stunning mosaics in the Bella Vista neighbourhood and Magic Gardens. To top it all off, the tour comes to a close with a local beer expert, who will guide visitors through the booming local bar and pub scene, showcasing the city’s regional breweries and microbrews. The tour costs from £93 ($119) per person and starts from outside New Image Art & Framing (601 South 9^{th Street) at 10am, finishing at 7pm. Strictly over 21s and maximum group size of 12 people. For more information, visit www.urbanadventures.com/Philadelphia-tour-total-philly-tour.}

Museum of the American Revolution Opened in April

Firmly marking 2017 as a year to celebrate Philadelphia’s colourful past, the state-of-the-art Museum of the American Revolution opened its doors to the public in April. Taking visitors on a journey through the remarkable story of America’s founding, the stunning building features four floors of permanent and temporary exhibition galleries. Aptly located in the historic heart of the city, the museum is just two blocks from Independence Hall and across the street from Carpenter’s Hall, where the Constitutional Congress first met. Original artefacts, immersive settings and dynamic theatres instills visitors of all ages with a profound understanding of, and interest in, the outbreak of conflict and ensuing new nation. For more information, visit ^{www.amrevmuseum.org/.}

New Foodie Hotspots

Enjoy a taste of the city in one of several new restaurants opening in Philadelphia. For a vintage dining experience, Chef Michael Schulson has opened ‘Harp & Crown,’ a trendy new foodie hotspot close to Dilworth Park and Philadelphia’s City Hall. Combining charm and luxury with modern sensibility and functionality, the restaurant showcases seasonal ingredients in a menu of global cuisines, as well as a comprehensive cocktail menu at the 32-seat bar. What is more, the space has been transformed to include a two-lane bowling alley in the basement, where revellers can enjoy drinks, pizza and charcuterie between strikes. For more information, visit ^{http://harpcrown.com/. Crowdfunded by more than 1,500 people and named as one of the best new restaurants in America by GQ magazine, the Rooster Soup Co. converts unused food into meals and services for the people who need it most. Co-owned by James Beard Award winner Michael Salomonov, the restaurant serves soup, salads and sandwiches and 100% of the profits generated by the luncheonette go to Broad Street Ministry’s Hospitality Collaborative, which aims to support vulnerable residents of Philadelphia. For more information, visit www.roostersoupcompany.com. Diners looking to experience a taste of Israel should head to Sansom Street, where new all-vegan falafel shop Goldie serves made-to-order falafel sandwiches, shawarma-spiced fries and vegan tehina shakes. For more information, visit www.goldiefalafel.com.}

Franklin Institute Launches Virtual Reality Experience

As one of America’s oldest and most beloved museums, the Franklin Institute has been delighting visitors old and young since it was founded in 1824. Despite its age, this science museum on North 21st Street has long been paving the way for innovative displays of information and the latest new Virtual Reality initiative is no exception. Opening to visitors in 2017, the VR demonstration spaces will allow visitors to try out an HTC Vice or Oculus Rift and be transported through outer space, encounter a blue whale, explore the human body, tour the solar system and even take a peek inside a brain! For more information, visit ^{https://www.fi.edu/.}

Terracotta Warriors of the First Emperor at The Franklin Institute

From 30 September 2017 to 4 March 2018, The Franklin Institute will welcome 300 artefacts from one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of modern times, China’s Terracotta Warriors. Discovered in 1974, the collection of over 8,000 terracotta sculptures depict the armies of the first Emperor of China and date back to around 209 BC. Crafted with precise detail and buried with the first Emperor in his tomb, each statue holds a unique facial expression and many are still in pristine condition. In a one-of-a-kind exhibition, ‘Terracotta Warriors of the First Emperor’ will welcome 10 real figures from China and take visitors on a journey through the story of the production method of the warriors and how the statues were ultimately discovered. Tickets cost from approx. £15 ($20) for adults and £11 ($15) for children. For more information, visit ^{www.fi.edu/exhibit/terracotta-warriors.}

Fashion Outlets of Philadelphia

Spanning three blocks in Philadelphia’s Market East neighbourhood and only a short walk from Reading Terminal Market, Fashion Outlets of Philadelphia will be the largest cohesive retail project in downtown Philadelphia when it opens in 2018. The impressive redevelopment of the former Gallery Mall will include nearly 800,000 square foot of retail, dining and entertainment space, with many designer outlet brands set to open – a perfect match for Philadelphia’s offering of tax-free shopping! For more information, visit ^{www.fashionoutletsphiladelphia.com.}

For more information on Philadelphia, visit the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau’s website, ^{www.discoverPHL.co.uk.}

By 2018, the total hotel inventory in Philadelphia is expect to grow by 20% and the last 12 months have been busy for Philadelphia’s hotel scene, with the city welcoming a host of exciting new hotels including AKA University City, Best Western Plus Philadelphia Convention Center Hotel and The Study at University City.

Further new hotel openings in 2017 and 2018 include the 179-room Aloft Hotel by Starwood, which opens its doors on 31 August 2017, and the Fairfield Inn and Suites in December 2017. Later in 2018, scheduled openings will also include Starwood’s new dual-branded W and Element Hotels and the luxury Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia, which will provide guests with sky-high views of the city.

Liberty Title and Trust Building to Become Aloft Hotel by Starwood on 31 August 2017

The 1929 Liberty Title and Trust Building is a stalwart of historic architecture in Philadelphia and after years of being vacant, the historically-certified 21-story complex is being renovated into a 179-room Aloft by Starwood hotel – the second from the brand to open in the city. With its superb access to the city’s ancient and modern landmarks, the hotel will be a fantastic addition to the Philadelphia accommodation scene when it opens in August 2017. For more information, visit www.starwoodmediacentre.com/aloft.

Fairfield Inn and Suites Philadelphia Downtown Center City in December 2017

New for 2017, Marriott’s Fairfield Inn & Suites in downtown Philadelphia will offer business and leisure travellers smartly designed guest rooms at a great value price. With free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, ample workspaces and complimentary hot and continental breakfasts, the 121-roomed hotel will also include a pool and fitness centre – perfect for sticking to workout routines while on the road. For more information, visit www.marriott.co.uk/hotels/travel/phlcc-fairfield-inn-and-suites-philadelphia-downtown-center-city.

Cambria Hotel & Suites Philadelphia Downtown in February 2018

Early 2018 will see the opening of Choice Hotels’ Cambria Hotel & Suites Philadelphia Downtown, a 15-floor hotel with 223 modern and stylish rooms and eight suites. Located in the heart of Center City and just a short walk to the Pennsylvania Convention Center, the hotel will boast a first-class restaurant, pool, and plenty of meeting spaces. The brand’s flagship hotel will also include complimentary Wi-Fi, a state-of-the-art fitness centre and the only roof top bar on Broad Street. For more information, visit www.cambriahotelsandsuites.com.

Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia in 2018

Set to occupy the top floors of the impressive new 60-story Comcast Innovation and Technology Center, which will be the tallest tower in Philadelphia, the new Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia will provide guests with breath-taking unobstructed views of the city and outstanding service when it opens in 2018. With a sleek minimalist design, the 217-roomed hotel will house three high-tech meeting rooms and a pool framed by double-height windows. The new sky-high hotel, which will include 38 luxurious suites, will also play host to an energetic street-level restaurant, along with a penthouse restaurant and lounge high above the city on the 59^{th and 60th floors. For more information, visit www.fourseasons.com/philadelphia.}

W and Element Hotels in 2018

Located at 15th and Chestnut Street, Starwood’s new dual-branded W and Element Hotels property is projected for completion in 2018. The 295-room W Philadelphia and 460-room Element Philadelphia Hotel will occupy a 51-story tower and offer guests panoramic city views, an outdoor pool bar and terrace and meeting facilities. The two hotels will share a common design theme inspired by the city’s environment and culture, including influences from the rich industrial heritage of Philadelphia and the historic Fairmount park. For more information, visit ^{www.starwoodhotels.com.}

For more information on Philadelphia, visit the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau’s website, ^{www.discoverPHL.co.uk}