Q&A with Annie Allman

This conversation has been edited and condensed for length and clarity. 

What is your take on the state of hospitality and tourism in Pennsylvania?

From an awareness & funding perspective, Pennsylvania tourism lags many other states. However, we offer such a rich, dynamic product - from history and culture to outdoor recreation. I am excited by the new statewide brand and the involvement of Gov. Shapiro.

What role do you play in advancing the sector?

Reading Terminal Market is Philadelphia at its very best. As I like to say, "RTM is where visitors come to view Philadelphians in their natural habitat!" We are "always on" to showcase Pennsylvania goods and merchants and host national, international, and regional press and influencers throughout the year. I serve on the boards of the PHLCVB and Philadelphia Chapter-PRLA and work closely with Visit Philly, the Philadelphia Visitors Center, the City of Philadelphia, and other advocacy opportunities.

What policy issues are you focused on in 2024?

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with the mission of feeding Philadelphia’s heart and soul, we are focused on policy issues that support small, family-owned businesses and ensure fresh, affordable food is accessible to Philadelphia’s communities. These include policies that enable small businesses to grow, prioritize funding EBT and SNAP, and support infrastructure updates that keep Center City Philadelphia thriving for locals and visitors.

What is the relevance of Reading Terminal Market to the Commonwealth outside of Philadelphia?

Reading Terminal is representative of Pennsylvania as a whole. It boasts cuisine that is beloved in every corner of the Commonwealth, serves as an incubator for small, family-owned businesses with multiple locations in cities like Lancaster, Pittsburgh, and beyond, and exists as a diverse, welcoming public space for all.