Maryland Tourism Works
According to an economic impact report released by the Maryland Department of Commerce in November 2022, the state’s tourism industry is continuing a strong recovery, recapturing nearly 90% of pre-pandemic visitor spending. In addition, the state reported increases over pre-pandemic levels in the key sectors of lodging and restaurants. The state continues to experience a strong economic recovery as a whole, including an unemployment rate below pre-pandemic levels.
The report also showed that spending by overnight visitors increased nearly 6% from $784 in 2019 to $830 in 2021. When comparing 2021 to 2020, the report found that visitor spending grew 42% from $11.6 billion in 2020 to $16.4 billion in 2021. Domestic and international visitors also increased, up to 35.2 million in 2021 from 24.7 million the previous year.
Another key measurement of economic output is the “Sales and Use Tax” as reported by the Maryland Comptroller. This is reported on a Fiscal Year rather than on the Calendar Year and it also reports increases in two important tourism industry sectors, taking into account inflationary pressures:
Lodging:
FY 22 vs. FY 21 increased 170%
FY 22 vs. FY 19 increased 10%
Restaurant:
FY 22 vs. FY 21 increased 97%
FY 22 vs. FY 19 increased 31%
“One reason attributable to the recovery was the continuation of marketing efforts by The Maryland Office of Tourism promoting the “Big Five”: The Most Powerful Underground Railroad Storytelling Destination in the World; The Chesapeake Bay; Fish and Hunt Maryland; Trail System Second to None; and Scenic Byways,” said Liz Fitzsimmons, managing director of the Maryland Office of Tourism. “These truly ‘only in Maryland’ experiences have proven to be successful in the past – we relied on them to guide our efforts and we will continue to build upon them in the future.”
The Maryland Office of Tourism is an agency within the Maryland Department of Commerce. Visitors to the state spent $16.4 billion on travel-related expenses in 2021. The Maryland tourism industry also generated $2.1 billion in state and local taxes, essentially saving each Maryland household $923 in annual taxes, and directly supported Marylanders with nearly 113,000 jobs.
We Unite
For over 50 years, the Maryland Tourism Coalition has represented and united varied segments of tour and travel, bringing together the entire industry to enhance business growth and to promote the development of Maryland tourism.
We Build
Maryland Tourism Coalition strives to create the most productive statewide tourism climate possible. We promote business, offer professional development activities, and enhance our economic impact for the benefit of all Marylanders.
We Support
Maryland Tourism Coalition works on behalf of its members to affect positive change and defend the industry. Through direct advocacy, Tourism Day and educational sessions, our members inform and engage elected officials. Diversity is our strength, unity is our power.
Annual Sponsors
MTC Partners
Join MTC in 2024!
MTC strives to create the most productive statewide tourism climate possible. Members from all segments of the industry work together to promote business, participate in professional development activities, and enhance our economic impact for the benefit of all Marylanders. Together…as a tourism coalition, we can strengthen our industry and positively affect our economy, which benefits all Marylanders.
It’s time to join the hundreds of business and association members of Maryland Tourism Coalition working to grow and support tourism throughout Maryland.