Tourism Industry Partners Gather in Annapolis for Tourism Day
ANNAPOLIS, MD (February 7) – Led and sponsored by the Maryland Tourism Coalition (MTC), in partnership with Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County, the Maryland Tourism industry will join together to advocate for their businesses, as over 150 industry professionals will be in Annapolis for the Annual Tourism Day. This one-day advocacy event will be taking place on Friday, February 10. The intention is to bring tourism leaders together with elected officials to illustrate the critical economic impact that tourism brings to the state.
The day will begin at 8:30 a.m. where industry leaders are invited to meet with their local legislators about important tourism talking points. This time can include individual or group meetings or complete door to door visits. At 11:15 a.m. the event kick off will be held at Rams Head On Stage for a working lunch. Remarks will take place by MTC executive director Ruth Toomey, various MTC chairs, as well as house and senate leadership. VIPs scheduled to attend are Brooke Lierman, Comptroller of Maryland and Kevin Anderson, Secretary of Commerce. This event is sold out.
Premier sponsors for Tourism Day include: Baltimore Tourism Association, Full Sail Media, Hearst Women’s Travel Group, Maryland Sports Commission, Miles Partnership, Ocean Downs Casino, Ocean City Tourism, Visit Harford and Washington Post. This event would not be able to take place without the support of these listed organizations and many other partners and supporters.
“Tourism is the driving force throughout the state of Maryland. Hospitality experts would all agree that your trip experience is rated based on how you were treated on the phone, at the front desk, enjoying your dinner meal, etc. The industry we work in really matters when it comes to the economics of the state whether that is how much money is brought in over a holiday weekend/special event or how many people stayed in your hotel at one time…We have a special job in tourism to create great experiences and have out of state visitors wanting to keep returning over and over again. That is what Tourism Day is really all about, sharing the great services offered throughout the industry and urging legislatures in the year ahead to support tourism efforts,” said Brianna Dix, advertising and destination marketing specialist for Worcester County Tourism and Economic Development.
Tourism is an ecosystem, delivering opportunity and quality of life for Marylanders that is derived from visitor spending. Every dollar spent to the market the state as a tourism destination returns $31 to the state. The travel sector is an integral part of Maryland’s economy. In 2021, Maryland attracted 35.2 million visitors who spent $16.4 billion. Vacation spending by visitors reduces each Maryland household’s state tax burden by approximately $1,000 annually, generates $2.1 billion in state and local taxes and supports $173,700 (direct and indirect jobs) making the tourism industry Maryland’s 12 largest private-sector employer.
To learn more about MTC yearly efforts and get involved with membership, visit www.mdtourism.org
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About Maryland Tourism Coalition: 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. They promote business, offer professional development of Maryland. They promote business, offer professional development activities, and enhance our economic impact for the benefit of all Marylanders. 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, and annual Maryland Travel & Tourism Summit, members inform and engage elected officials. Diversity is their strength, unity is their power. For more information on MTC and MTTS, please contact Executive Director, Ruth Toomey at 443-563-1315 or ruth@mdtourism.org.
