PHILADELPHIA, February 4, 2009 - Philly Beer Week is one of the countless reasons to Love Philadelphia. From March 6-15, 2009, beer lovers from all over can sip their way through more than 100 events at the second annual Philly Beer Week, which attracted more than 15,000 participants during its first year.

This year’s Philly Beer Week will highlight the Philadelphia area’s thriving beer culture with 10 days of festivities. Brewers from the U.S. and beyond, including Fritz Maytag from Anchor Brewing, Garrett Oliver from Brooklyn Brewery and Fergal Murray from Guinness, will journey to Philadelphia and its suburbs to host tastings, dinners and events. The festival will also feature the return of three major beer festivals: the Opening Tap kick-off event on March 6, the Philly Craft Beer Festival on March 7 and the Brewers Plate on March 8. What’s more, organizers are introducing two new festivals, both taking place on March 15: the Yards Real Ale Invitational, highlighting the region’s premier cask ale producers, and Zythos America, featuring the best beers from Belgium and the best Belgian-style beers from around the world. Also in store at pubs, bars and breweries: a chili cook-off and a rock band tournament on March 8, Beer Balderdash on March 10, Philly- and beer-themed Quizzo on March 11 and a brewery bike tour on March 14. phillybeerweek.org

Beer lovers can sip safely while visiting the region by taking advantage of the popular Philly Overnight® Hotel Package, which comes with an extra incentive this season thanks to the new Love campaign. As always, the two-night offer, available at more than 30 hotels throughout the region, includes free hotel parking (valued at up to $75), a Philadelphia Privileges coupon book and a Philly’s More Fun® teddy bear. What’s more, 100 lucky hotel package buyers who redeem their stay before March 16 will be randomly named “Philly Guest of the Day.” Upon check-in, they’ll receive any number of prizes, including museum tickets, hotel upgrades and gift certificates for restaurants, nightspots and shops. The package is bookable at gophila.com/love.

The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) makes Philadelphia and The Countryside® a premier destination through marketing and image building that increases business and promotes the region’s vitality.

For more information about travel to Philadelphia, visit gophila.com or uwishunu.com, where you can build itineraries; search event calendars; see photos and videos; view interactive maps; sign up for newsletters; listen to HearPhilly, an online radio station about what to see and do in the region; book hotel reservations and more. Or, call the Independence Visitor Center, located in Historic Philadelphia, at (800) 537-7676