Maryland Hosts ABA Marketplace 2010
Event delivers economic surge for host region; raises funds for charity
BALTIMORE (January 14, 2010) — Maryland will host the American Bus Association (ABA) Jan. 15-19 at Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Prince George's County. Widely viewed as one of the top business and networking events for the group-travel industry, it is estimated that the Capital Region – Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. – can expect a 10 percent to 25 percent yearly increase in motorcoach and group-tour business over the next four years.
“Hosting ABA this year will have a long-term economic impact on Maryland’s economy. With the increase in motorcoach and tour group business, we expect a boost in spending at hotels, restaurants, attractions and retail shops which will help us to grow tourism jobs,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. "Additionally, Marketplace affords us an extraordinary opportunity to showcase Maryland's vibrant appeal as a premier destination." According to ABA:
- One motorcoach spending one night at a destination translates into as much as $11,660 for that local economy.
- Marketplace typically generates up to $3.5 million for a destination region's hotels, restaurants and retail shops.
Nearly 600 buyers of group tours have registered for this year's edition of Marketplace – a slight increase over last year's event in Charlotte, N.C.
“We anticipate that the residual impact of hosting ABA Marketplace will pay dividends for years to come,” said Christian S. Johansson, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED). “In addition to delivering dynamic business-to-business results, the Marketplace Gives Back program will raise a significant amount of money for a worthy cause—the Yellow Ribbon Fund.”
Celebrated singer Tony Orlando will help kick off the American Bus Association’s Capital Region Marketplace 2010 January 16 when he sings his signature song – “Tie A Yellow Ribbon ‘Round The Ole Oak Tree” – to encourage the more than 3,000 delegates in attendance to support the Yellow Ribbon Fund, which helps the families of recuperating soldiers.
Over the past several years, ABA has made it a priority to show its gratitude for the Marketplace host region’s hospitality by selecting a worthy charitable cause through its “Marketplace Gives Back” program, raising more than $70,000 for charities in the cities who have hosted the event.
This year's Marketplace also features educational seminars, luncheons, site-seeing tours, opening and closing celebrations, networking opportunities, and evening events.
The site-seeing tours will give the delegates an opportunity to experience Maryland’s diverse cultural, historic, natural and recreational assets. These tours not only help educate delegates on the region, they can be repackaged for future group tours. Below is a sample of itineraries:
Hallowed Ground
In Maryland, the Civil War is best explored in the footsteps of generals, and through the stories and remembrances of those who survived. This tour links together a collection of sites from Montgomery County, to Frederick Countyto Washington County, MD. With one foot in the North, and one foot in the South, Maryland’s counties tell a meaningful story of the Civil War – its causes, battles, heroes and villains.
Hidden Treasures Tour
Get off the main thoroughfares and find some of America’s finest gems – historic homes, gardens, wineries, museums, and quiet haunts. Participants will discover how railroads became the most important service in the country, go fossil hunting, tour lighthouses, learn about Maryland’s rich equestrian history and how Southern Maryland shaped the country’s religious culture.
Immerse Yourself
Discover the region’s wine, music, culture and cuisine from an insider’s perspective. Touch wonder at the Maryland Science Center, experience the oceans at the National Aquarium in Baltimore, and come up close and personal with nature at the Patuxent Wildlife Museum. Participants may taste Maryland wines at the Carroll County Farm Museum as they experience mid-19th century rural life. At the United States Naval Academy delegates will learn about “Life on the Yard,” as they go through “boot camp.”
“ABA delegates participating in the site-seeing tours will see first-hand why Maryland is considered ‘America in Miniature,” said Margot Amelia, executive director, Maryland Office of Tourism. “The participants will gain extensive knowledge about the region while developing itinerary ideas for future visits.”
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About the Maryland Office of Tourism
The Maryland Office of Tourism Development serves as the State’s official travel marketing agency, promoting Maryland attractions, accommodations and services. To learn more about Maryland’s tourism industry, go to VisitMaryland.org.
About ABA
The American Bus Association is the trade organization of the intercity bus industry with more than 1000 motorcoach owner and tour company members in the United States and Canada. Its members operate charter, tour, regular route, airport express, special operations and contract services. Another 2,800 members are travel and tourism organizations and suppliers of bus products and services who work in partnership with the North American motorcoach industry. To learn more about ABA, go to buses.org.
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