Philadelphia is expected to welcome a half-million tourists, including international visitors, for the FIFA World Cup 26™ and America’s 250th anniversary.

A June 2 article in The Philadelphia Inquirer  highlights why cultural diplomacy training—an area where World Affairs is taking the lead to help prepare the City—can be critical to helping businesses understand and navigate differences in global customs, including tipping practices.

Read insights from Lauren Swartz, President and CEO of the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia, on how cultural diplomacy training can help Philadelphia deliver a welcoming and memorable experience for visitors from around the world.

Request a Cultural Diplomacy Training Session

To learn more about our individual and group training sessions to help welcome the world in 2026, visit our Cultural Diplomacy Training webpage. Both virtual, asynchronous modules and in-person trainings are available.

About World Affairs

The World Affairs Council of Philadelphia is where continents, cultures, and ideas connect. As the region’s largest and longest-running international nonprofit, World Affairs opens doors between Philadelphia and the world through powerful speaker events, international exchanges, youth education, professional development, and curated travel programs. Since 1949, global leaders, Philly students, entrepreneurs, teachers, and citizen diplomats have come together at World Affairs to share stories, exchange ideas, and expand perspectives. Today, the invitation is open to all: to learn and discuss, to explore and host, and to experience Philadelphia—and the world—in new ways.