Philadelphia To Welcome Plethora Of New Tourism Developments In 2017 #PhiladelphiaWorldHeritageCity

With myriad new openings planned to arrive 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 scheduled to open 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

Launching in 2017, the ‘Total Philly Tour’ will take 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, adding intricate beauty to any traveller’s photo collection. 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 starts from outside New Image Art & Framing (601 South 9th Street) at 10am, finishing at 7pm. Strictly over 21s.

Museum of the American Revolution to Open in April

Firmly marking 2017 as a year to celebrate Philadelphia’s colourful past, the state-of-the-art Museum of the American Revolution will open its doors to the public in April next year. Taking visitors on a journey through the remarkable story of America’s founding, the stunning building will feature 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 will instil visitors of all ages with a profound understanding of, and interest in, the outbreak of conflict and ensuing new nation.

Liberty Title and Trust Building to Become Aloft Hotel by Starwood

As the only building on the block of Broad Street and Arch Street to survive the expansion of the Pennsylvania Convention Centre, the 1929 Liberty Title and Trust Building is a stalwart of historic architecture in Philadelphia. 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 2017.

New Foodie Hotspots

Why not toast the start of 2017 in one of several new restaurants in Philadelphia. At the iconic Ritz-Carlton Hotel, where luxury and grand decor can be found in abundance, savour Latin-American cuisine in the stunning, newly-decorated hotel lobby restaurant. ‘Aqimero’ is bound to make any occasion special, whether diners have a reservation to stay the night or not.

For a more 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.

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. Open 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!

Ritz-Carlton Brings Its Brand Of Timeless Luxury To Jeddah

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, will open its second hotel in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Jeddah late summer with The Ritz-Carlton, Jeddah. The latest addition to the portfolio will serve as the perfect showcase of the great traditions of Saudi hospitality; an eye-catching landmark situated over eight acres of land on Al Hamra Corniche. The new hotel with its splendid architecture will be a majestic addition to the city's vibrant hospitality scene, with unmatched conference facilities to cater to the local, regional and international markets.
The new hotel will be operated by The Ritz-Carlton for the Ministry of Finance, reinforcing its existing partnership on The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh.

The Ritz-Carlton, Jeddah underscores the brand's development ambitions in the region. "The opening of The Ritz-Carlton, Jeddah is a much-anticipated milestone for us as it not only introduces our signature standards in this growing market but also emphasizes our commitment to the Kingdom," said Herve Humler, President and Chief Operations Officer of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. "This region is critical towards the achievement of our strategic goal of reaching 100 hotels globally and we are fortunate to have strong partners who share our vision."

With a mix of universally recognized service and state-of-the-art amenities, all tempered with local flavor, the Ritz-Carlton, Jeddah aligns well with Saudi Arabia's burgeoning status as an economic powerhouse attracting visitors from around globe. Featuring 224 guest rooms, including 30 exquisitely laid out royal suites spanning 500 square meters each, the hotel will cater to a diverse range of visitors from short-stay business guests through to large wedding groups. The hotel will also boast four dining outlets, offering visitors and residents alike a taste of Ritz-Carlton's excellent culinary experience.

Reflecting the rising importance of the meeting and incentives sector in the Kingdom, the hotel also boasts a staggering 63,356 square meters of meeting space. The hotel will be equipped to host major conferences and exhibitions with the Grand Auditorium venue, capable of seating 1,500 guests, while the hotel's restaurant and dining outlets can serve over 500 guests during any time throughout the whole day.