IN 2023, THE PHILADELPHIA VISITOR CENTER CORPORATION, MAINTAINED OPERATIONS OF THE INDEPENDENCE VISITOR CENTER AND CONTINUED TO STRIVE TOWARDS PRE-PANDEMIC VISITATION LEVELS CAPTURING A 32% INCREASE IN VISITATION OVER 2022. THIS VISITATION INCREASE IS 53% OF PRE-PANDEMIC VISITATION WHICH WAS 2.5 MILLION VISITORS ANNUALLY. EFFORTS WERE ALSO AIMED AT GRANT ASSISTANCE FOR CONTINUED RECOVERY FROM LOST REVENUES OF THE INDEPENDENCE VISITOR CENTER AND THE PHILLY PHLASH DOWNTOWN LOOP SEASONAL TRANSIT SERVICE. IN ADDITION, GRANT FUNDING WAS USED TO COMPLETE THE FABRICATION OF A NEW VISITOR CENTER LOCATION AT THE PLAZA OF THE PHILADELPHIA MUSEUM OF ART, WHICH IS THE LOCATION OF THE "ROCKY" STATUE [CONT ON SCH O]AN ICONIC AND TOP TOURIST DESTINATION IN THE CITY. THE PLAZA LOCATION WILL OPEN IN FALL 2023. IN SPRING 2023, PVCC BEGAN TO RUN THE ELEVATOR TO THE TOP OF CITY HALL AGAIN; THIS PROVIDES VISITORS WITH A UNIQUE VIEW OF THE CITY AND SURROUNDING AREA.
