November 8, 2024 | Bel Camp, MD – Nearly 300 tourism professionals gathered to bestow awards and celebrate an outstanding year throughout the state of Maryland and tourism industry. Maryland tourism shows resiliency and honors award recipients from counties across the state, including Washington, Anne Arundel, Cecil, Howard and Frederick Counties.
The 43rd Annual Maryland Travel & Tourism Summit (MTTS) concluded today November 8, 2024, at the Water’s Edge Events Center in Bel Camp, Maryland. Sponsored and managed by the Maryland Tourism Coalition (MTC), the summit brings together hundreds of public sector leaders in the hospitality industry each year to network and learn new strategies to benefit tourism businesses and the whole state of Maryland.
While MTC celebrated 43 years gathering industry professionals, MTTS’s location this year was held in Harford County for the first time since 1995. This year’s conference included topics about workforce needs, tips on utilizing artificial intelligence tools, interactive workshops and general sessions with guest speakers.
“This year at the Maryland Travel and Tourism Summit, we thought outside the box to showcase how you can have a larger meeting a small, unique venue,” said Ruth Toomey, Executive Director, MTC.
The event kicked off with a fun welcome reception co-hosted by Visit Harford. Attendees gathered at Ripken Stadium to enjoy a Taste of Harford County from local restaurants as well as craft beer and wine from local breweries and wineries.
“Visit Harford was delighted to host the Opening Ceremony this year and showcase Harford County’s amazing cuisine and spirits! We hope everyone enjoyed their time in Harford County and had a chance to experience some of our wonderful attractions and towns. MTTS is always a great opportunity to network, make new connections in Maryland, and catch up with old friends.” said Catherine Showalter, MTC committee member and Harford County Director of Operations.
Special guest speakers in attendance were Secretary Anderson with the Maryland Department of Commerce, Anirban Basu Chairman and CEO of Sage Policy Group, Inc, Brian Blasko Author of Fun Guy, Secretary Flora with the Maryland 250 Commission, Brooke Lierman Comptroller of Maryland, and authors Ken Okel and Dr. Jenn Staples. They all brought insight and great tips to those working in the tourism and economic development industries.
As part of this informative, three-day event, annual tourism awards were presented to many deserving individuals within the industry. Award recipients at the annual banquet included Cecil County Tourism, Maryland 5 Star at Fair, and Maryland Office of Tourism for best printed promotional material for their campaign, “Come for the Event…Stay for the Experience.” As well as best website to the Harrison Group for their site: OCMD Hotels, and best product/event (large) to Visit Hagerstown for their project at Meritus Park.
The tradition of honoring one professional, the esteemed “Tourism Person of the Year”, has resulted in 42 professionals from previous years who came together to honor the newest “Pineapple Person,” who is someone who personifies the spirit of hospitality. Kevin Atticks, Maryland Department of Agriculture secretary, won the 2024 Tourism Person of the Year Award. Kevin won the award for his exceptional dedication to the tourism industry and unwavering support throughout his years of service. His leadership as Chairman of the Maryland Tourism Coalition Board and his commitment to both the organization’s success and Maryland’s tourism growth through his role as secretary were instrumental in strengthening the growing industry.
Along with the Maryland Tourism Coalition awards, the Maryland Office of Tourism also presented its annual Destination Maryland Awards. Winners included Charles County for their Brumate and Ace Hardware campaign in the Maximizing Opportunities category, Worcester County for their “Let’s Go” campaign in Market Expansion, Allegany and Garrett Counties for their “Make It in the Mountains!” campaign in Leveraging Partnerships, and Talbot County with the Avalon Foundation for the Plein Air Easton Festival in the Transactional Opportunities category.
For more information on the Maryland Travel & Tourism Summit, visit https://mdtourism.org/maryland-tourism-travel-summit/
For a complete list of award recipients (click here) by county and speakers/conference agenda, see additional attached.
