Governor Hogan Proclaims May 1-7 “Maryland Travel & Tourism Week”

BALTIMORE, MD (May 3, 2022) – Governor Larry Hogan today issued a proclamation naming May 1-7, 2022 as Maryland Travel & Tourism Week, in tandem with the U.S. Travel Association’s annual National Travel & Tourism Week (NTTW).

“We are excited to celebrate Travel and Tourism Week in Maryland,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “Despite incredible challenges, Maryland’s tourism industry persevered thanks to the resilience of our tourism professionals, and we are proud to welcome visitors to our great state.”

NTTW was created by Congress in 1983 to elevate awareness of the economic power of travel in the United States. This year’s national theme of the “Future of Travel” recognizes the industry as an essential economic driver for communities across the country, as a source of job creation, and as a vehicle for providing sustainable, inclusive, and globally competitive travel experiences.

In mid-April, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released their monthly state jobs and unemployment data. According to the preliminary survey data, Maryland gained 3,900 jobs, with the Leisure and Hospitality sector contributing the most growth with an increase of 2,900 jobs.

A snapshot of the economic impact of the Maryland tourism industry shows that, in 2020, visitor spending totaled $11.6 billion and generated $1.7 billion in state and local taxes, saving each household in Maryland $775. Tourism is also one of the largest private-sector employers in Maryland, directly supporting 104,328 jobs in the state.

This year, the Maryland Department of Commerce joins with all of Maryland’s Destination Marketing Organizations, Maryland Tourism Coalition, Maryland Restaurant Association, and Maryland Hotel Lodging Association in a new Citation of Travel and Tourism Excellence program, which recognizes tourism professionals across the state for their excellence. The program will continue throughout the year, with the first in-person awards being handed out at the Harford County Tourism Breakfast on May 5 and the Talbot County Business Appreciation Summit on May 6.

“We are proud to work with our tourism partners to give well-deserved recognition throughout the year  to the many rockstars in our tourism industry,” said Maryland Commerce Secretary Mike Gill. “They represent the best of the best in this industry and are the reason why visitors from all over the world return to our state.”

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About Maryland Department of Commerce Office of Tourism
The Maryland Office of Tourism is an agency within the Maryland Department of Commerce. Visitors to the state spent $11.6 billion on travel-related expenses in 2020. The Maryland tourism industry also generated $1.7 billion in state and local taxes, essentially saving each Maryland household $775 in annual taxes, and directly supported Marylanders with 104,328 jobs. For more information, go to www.visitmaryland.org or connect with us on our social media channels | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube