The 2015 Visit Philadelphia Annual Report shows that the city had a record year in 2014 in terms of people visiting the area on vacation. The news comes as the city prepares for a number of important events in 2015 that could further increase its status as a vacation destination.

The figures from the city’s tourism organization, Visit Philadelphia, show that 39.7 million people visited last year, bringing $10.4 billion into the local economy. Eighty-eight percent of those visitors came from the leisure market, which is now having a far greater impact than the business sector. Since 1997, the number of those staying overnight in the city has risen by 90 percent.

A city of many opportunities

Philadelphia is definitely worth exploring, and 2015 will see a host of fantastic events talking place across the city. This makes it the perfect time to plan your stay. There are a number of short-term rentals that can serve as a great base in the city from which to experience everything that the region has to offer.

Later this year, you’ll be able to experience the great Philly welcome when Pope Francis makes his first papal visit to the U.S. as part of the World Meeting of Families in September. There will also be the excitement of the Army-Navy Football game at Lincoln Financial Field on December 12.

This is on top of all the fantastic tourist attractions on offer, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Penn Museum, Adventure Aquarium, and the Benjamin Franklin Museum.