College Park (November 15, 2025) – More than 200 tourism and hospitality professionals from across Maryland convened at The Hotel in College Park from November 17–19, 2025, for the 44th Annual Maryland Travel & Tourism Summit (MTTS). Hosted by the Maryland Tourism Coalition (MTC), this signature gathering united hundreds of public and private sector leaders for three dynamic days of connection, education, and celebration. Attendees exchanged insights, deepened their industry knowledge through expert-led sessions, and built meaningful relationships during lively networking receptions—all in support of strengthening Maryland’s vibrant tourism landscape.
The 44th Annual Maryland Travel & Tourism Summit kicked off with a warm welcome from Comptroller of Maryland, Brooke Lierman, Experience Prince George’s Board Chair Linda Westgate and Acting Managing Director of the Division of Tourism and Film, Marci Ross. Their remarks set the tone for an inspiring few days of collaboration and celebration. That evening, Experience Prince George’s County hosted a lively Welcoming Reception at Denizens Brewing Company, where attendees mingled over craft brews and local flavor.
Participants represented a vibrant cross-section of Maryland’s tourism ecosystem—including hotels and motels, attractions, museums, transportation providers, arts and culture organizations, Destination Management Organizations, tour operators, restaurants, and sports entities. The summit was proudly hosted by The Hotel at the University of Maryland in partnership with the Maryland Tourism Coalition, the Maryland Office of Tourism, and Experience Prince George’s County. In addition, The City of College Park sponsored the After Party event.
“Tourism is an integral part of our state economy and it’s back stronger than ever. This summit affords us an opportunity to not only come together as professionals and learn from each other but to also to be better educated about important trends and economic factors that will affect what we do every day in order that we may all move forward together to make the industry even more vital and vibrant. This year, we welcomed 56 new conference attendees and 13 new sponsors to give us 45 total sponsors.” said Ruth Toomey, Executive Director, MTC.
On Thursday evening, the Maryland Tourism Coalition hosted its annual awards banquet, honoring excellence across the state’s tourism and hospitality industry. The evening’s highest accolade—Tourism Person of the Year—was awarded to Cassandra Vanhooser, Director of the Talbot County Economic Development and Tourism Office.
Cassandra was recognized for her unwavering dedication to her role, her deep commitment to Maryland’s tourism sector, and her heartfelt passion for the community she calls home. A former journalist with Southern Living, she frequently spotlighted Maryland’s charm and cultural richness, laying the foundation for her future as a destination marketing leader. Today, she continues that legacy as a dynamic storyteller and business advocate, infusing every initiative with positivity, strategic insight, and a genuine love for the region.
“I’m thrilled for this year’s Annual Summit. It’s such a valuable opportunity to connect, communicate, and collaborate with colleagues from across the state. Every year I walk away with new insights and practical ideas that help me do my job even better,” said Susan Jones, MTC’s Board Chair.
Other recipients also received awards and were recognized in their industry and beyond. Find the complete list below.
Maryland Tourism Coalition Marketing Awards:
- Best Product or Event – Small (Allegany County)
Winner: Allegany County Tourism, Mountain Maryland Orange Crush Trail
- Best Product or Event – Medium (Worcester County)
Winner: Beach to Bay Heritage Area, History, Heritage & Homelands of Maryland’s
Lower Eastern Shore
- Best Product or Event – Large (Worchester County)
Winner: Ocean City Maryland – Department of Tourism, Boardwalk Rock
- Best Printed Promotional Material (Garrett County)
Winner: Garrett County Chamber of Commerce, Garrett County Small Town Trail Brochure
- Best Media and Public Relations Campaign (Worcester County)
Winner: Ocean City Maryland – Department of Tourism, “Catch a Ride”
- Best Website (MD’s Eastern Shore)
Winner: Chesapeake Country All-American Road
- Best Use of Social Media (St. Mary’s County)
Winner: Visit St. Mary’s MD
- Best Digital Campaign (Montgomery County, Frederick County, Washington County, Allegany County)
Winner: Visit Montgomery, Visit Frederick, Visit Hagerstown & Washington County CVB,
Allegany County, the Mountain Side of Maryland, “Let’s Go C&O”
Maryland Tourism Coalition Professional Awards
- Tourism Advocates of the Year (Prince George’s County, Montgomery County )
Presented to: Matt Libber, Maryland Soccer Foundation and Maria Mackie, City of College Park Council Member
- Small Business of the Year (Worcester County)
Presented to: D3
- MTC Volunteer of the Year (Anne Arundel County Baltimore City)
Presented to: Justine Dear, Baywood Hotels and Brian Senft, Royal Sonesta Harbor Court
- Cooperative Partnership (Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City, Howard County, Montgomery County, Worcester County, Prince George’s County)
Presented to: Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County, Visit Baltimore, Visit Howard County, Visit Montgomery, Ocean City Maryland – Department of Tourism, Experience Prince George’s
“Meet in Maryland”
- Visionary Impact (Montgomery County)
Presented to: Kelly Groff, Visit Montgomery
- New Professional of the Year (Harford County)
Presented to: Presented to: Tyler Zeisloft, Visit Harford
- Audrey Davenport Hospitality Person of the Year (Worcester County)
Presented to: Renee Seiden, Harrison Group Hotels & Restaurants
- Tourism Person of the Year (Talbot County)
Presented to: Cassandra Vanhooser, Talbot County Economic Development and Tourism
- Tourism Ambassador of the Year (Worcester)
Presented to: Michele Burke, Maryland’s Coast
- Rising Star Award (St. Mary’s County)
Presented to: Alyssa Reeves, Visit St. Mary MD
