Maryland Tourism Commemorates 38th Annual National Travel And Tourism Week

BALTIMORE, MD (April 30, 2021) – The Maryland Department of Commerce’s Office of Tourism and the Maryland Tourism Coalition (MTC) have partnered to promote the “Power of Travel” during the 38th annual National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW) May 2-8, 2021. Interactive events and giveaways around the state are planned, and Governor Larry Hogan issued a proclamation which will be presented by Maryland Commerce Assistant Secretary Tom Riford at an event on May 4 in Baltimore.

Hosted by the U.S. Travel Association, NTTW was created by Congress in 1983 to elevate awareness of the economic power of travel in the U.S. This year’s theme also recognizes the industry’s importance to the economy of initiating a post-pandemic travel recovery, rebuilding our workforce, and reconnecting America.

“We are excited to celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week here in Maryland and shine a spotlight on the tremendous impact that tourism has in our lives and on our economy,” said Maryland Commerce Secretary Kelly M. Schulz. “This has been an incredibly difficult year on many levels, and I want to thank everyone in our tourism industry for your perseverance and your strength in tackling the challenges brought by COVID-19. As we continue our recovery, I know Maryland’s tourism industry is well positioned to meet the demand for travel safely and securely.”

In response to the impact to the tourism industry from COVID-19, Governor Hogan announced more than $210 million in funding to hotels, restaurants, entertainment venues, and assistance to local tourism offices.

In 2019, visitor spending totaled $18.6 billion and generated $2.6 billion in state and local taxes, saving each household in Maryland $1,175. Tourism is also one of the largest private-sector employers in Maryland, supporting 150,000 jobs in the state.

“Our slogan ‘Tourism Works for Maryland’ illustrates the economic importance of the industry to the state. Our members, who represent every tourism industry segment – attractions, arts and entertainment, accommodations, transportation, recreational activities, restaurants and food services, events, heritage areas/museums, workforce development, and promotional services – have persevered through a very tough year,” said Ruth Toomey, executive director of MTC. “Everyone is now eager to lean into the recovery process. Our NTTW events are designed to highlight different industry segments and also to say thank you to our visitors.”

NTTW scheduled events include the Rally for Resilience at 4:00 p.m. on May 4 in Baltimore at the National Aquarium in Baltimore, a Maryland Trivia Quiz (pre-registration is required to participate) and Backshore Brewery tour. Daily giveaways on social media will be tied to rotating themes such as family travel, history and heritage, romance, outdoor adventure, and everyone’s favorite topic – food & drink. Giveaways include overnight stays at Maryland hotels, Six Flags America admission tickets and local restaurant gift cards.

###

About Maryland Department of Commerce’s Office of Tourism

The Maryland Office of Tourism is an agency within the Maryland Department of Commerce. Visitors to the state spent $18.6 billion on travel-related expenses in 2019. The Maryland tourism industry also generated $2.6 billion in state and local taxes essentially saving Maryland households $1,175 in annual taxes. The industry provided Marylanders with 150,000 jobs. For more information, go to www.visitmaryland.org or visit us on our social media channels | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

About Maryland Tourism Coalition

The Maryland Tourism Coalition unites businesses and groups in the tourism and travel industry 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. Diversity is our strength, unity is our power. For more information, go to mdtourism.org or Facebook.