Visit Philadelphia commissioned ESI to perform an economic impact study for Coalition 2026, a collaborative initiative focused on orchestrating and promoting the many events and celebrations associated with the semiquincentennial anniversary celebration. The study focused on the economic and fiscal impacts of the increased tourism anticipated in 2026—as well as focused economic impacts of select events organized by the Coalition—on the Greater Philadelphia Region.
ESI developed detailed visitor profiles based on visitor origin (local, regional, national, or international), and visit duration (day trip or overnight) to estimate the potential increase in visitor spending in 2026 relative to a typical year. The model projected direct visitor expenditures on accommodations, food and beverages, retail, transportation, and entertainment.
Using industry-standard IMPLAN modeling software, ESI created a custom input-output model to calculate impacts from increased visitor spending during 2026. The study examined the economic activity generated within the Greater Philadelphia Region, including direct, indirect, and induced impacts on employment, labor income, and output. Increased economic impact was communicated in terms of a range, depending upon 10% or 20% increased spending over and above the anticipated baseline spending that would take place in a typical 2026 year.
Additionally, ESI conducted targeted analyses of select signature events planned for the semiquincentennial celebration to determine their specific economic contributions to the regional economy.
The study estimates that increased tourism associated with 2026 (above and beyond activity in a typical year) will generate $1.3 – $2.5 billion in net economic impact (above the anticipated impact for a typical 2026 year) for the Greater Philadelphia Region, with significant fiscal benefits for the region and Commonwealth. Increased visitation will support 8,400 – 17,100 additional FTE jobs in the region, with $440 – $860 million in additional earnings. Potential additional tax revenues for the City of Philadelphia from enhanced visitor spending in these scenarios is estimated at $40 – $80 million, and potential additional tax revenues for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania from enhanced visitor spending in these scenarios is estimated at $45 – $90 million.
This information has been used by Visit Philadelphia and other stakeholders to communicate the importance of this opportunity, and to make the case for investment in the promotion, public safety and other support services needed to make tourism events in 2026 a success.
