News that the Democratic National Convention will be held in Philadelphia next year has tourism advocates in the First State touting the potential economic benefits for Delaware.
Lyn Lewis, a spokesperson for the Greater Wilmington Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, says reservations have already been made at hotels in New Castle County in preparation for the event.
She adds persistently high violent crime rates in Wilmington are unlikely to keep visitors away, adding she thinks the problem will be under control by the convention.
“Quite honestly, the problem with violence has been totally overestimated,” Lewis says. “I think you’re going to find that the problem is drastically corrected in the next 3-4 months.”
Lewis cites greater community involvement and the work being done by the Wilmington Public Safety Strategies Commission, which is set to make recommendations at the end of March, as reasons for her optimism.
State Tourism Director Linda Parkowski says that expanded SEPTA between Philly and Wilmington, which began in December, will make it easier for those staying in Delaware to get to the convention.
“The extra trains will certainly increase the transportation access to Delaware.” Parkowski says.
Some advocates in Delaware are pushing for even more rail service between Wilmington and Philadelphia, calling for hourly trains between the two cities.
Parkowski says increased rail opportunities could benefit tourism in Delaware outside of the Democratic Convention.
Experts say each visitor at Wilmington-area hotels will create an average of $276 of economic activity in the city.