Current Press Releases

2024

Agency of Record Recognized for Integrated Campaign Success and Outstanding Copywriting

BALTIMORE, MD (March 4, 2024) – The Maryland Office of Tourism’s agency of record, Marriner Marketing, won two ADDY Awards for Maryland tourism campaigns on February 29, at the annual American Advertising Awards. Marriner secured accolades both for copywriting and an integrated campaign marketing Maryland tourism.

The American Advertising Awards is the advertising industry's largest competition, attracting more than 25,000 entries every year. The mission of the awards is to recognize and reward the creative spirit of excellence in the art of advertising.

Plan Your Maryland Vacation Now

BALTIMORE, MD (February 13, 2024) – The Maryland Department of Commerce’s Office of Tourism has published its 2024 edition of Destination Maryland Magazine, helping travelers discover the state’s many attractions, scenic byways, outdoor recreational opportunities, and more.

2023

Four winners announced at annual Maryland Tourism and Travel Summit

BALTIMORE, MD (November 8, 2023) – The 2023 Maryland Tourism Awards were presented today at the 42nd Annual Maryland Tourism & Travel Summit in Baltimore County, Maryland. The awards, given by the Maryland Department of Commerce Office of Tourism Development (OTD) and the Maryland Tourism Development Board (MTDB), recognize excellence and major contributions in expanding the market of Maryland tourism products, maximizing opportunities to generate overnight stays, leveraging partnerships, and showcasing Maryland as an exciting, must-see tourism destination.

Month-long Celebration Highlights Maryland’s Pathways to Freedom

BALTIMORE, MD (August 29, 2023) — Maryland Secretary of Commerce Kevin Anderson today presented a proclamation issued by Governor Wes Moore declaring September 2023 as the 5th annual International Underground Railroad Month in Maryland.

“You’re Welcome” tagline to run through August in key northeast markets
to draw travelers to the state 

BALTIMORE, MD (May 23, 2023) – Governor Wes Moore and the Maryland Department of Commerce’s Office of Tourism have announced the launch of the state’s new “You’re Welcome” tourism campaign. Running through August in various northeast markets including New York City and Philadelphia, the campaign invites travelers to discover new experiences and make stronger connections in Maryland.

Tourism Industry Unites to "Travel Forward" 

BALTIMORE, MD (May 8, 2023)– Governor Wes Moore today proclaimed May 7-13, 2023 Maryland Travel & Tourism Week, in tandem with the U.S. Travel Association’s 40th Annual National Travel & Tourism Week (NTTW). Maryland Commerce Secretary Kevin Anderson presented the proclamation during an event with tourism industry leaders in Annapolis which included announcements of additional events for the weeklong celebration.

Tourism Offerings Strengthen Through Chesapeake Bay Storytellers Program

BALTIMORE, MD (April 27, 2023) – The Maryland Department of Commerce Office of Tourism Development has released the results of a study on the Chesapeake Bay as a major factor in visitor travel. The study was done to gain a comprehensive understanding of the role the Chesapeake Bay plays in vacation planning by identifying familiarity with the Chesapeake Bay and related attractions, such as heritage tours, beaches, waterfront towns, unique scenic drives, wildlife programs, and culinary experiences. 

‘Destination Maryland Magazine’ is your best resource

BALTIMORE, MD (January 26, 2023) – National Plan for Vacation Day is January 31, and it is the perfect time to plan your Maryland vacation. The Maryland Department of Commerce’s Office of Tourism has easy to use tools to help travelers discover the state’s many attractions, scenic byways, outdoor recreational opportunities, and more, starting with the 2023 edition of Destination Maryland Magazine.

2022

Three winners announced at annual Maryland Tourism and Travel Summit

BALTIMORE, MD (November 14, 2022) – The 2022 Maryland Tourism Awards were presented today at the 41st Annual Maryland Tourism & Travel Summit in Ocean City, Maryland. The awards, given by the Maryland Department of Commerce Office of Tourism Development and the Maryland Tourism Development Board, recognize excellence and major contributions in expanding the market of Maryland tourism products, maximizing opportunities to generate overnight stays, and leveraging partnerships to showcase Maryland as an exciting, must-see tourism destination.

Also Reports Increases Over Pre-Pandemic Levels In Key Sectors of Lodging and Restaurants Tourism Industry Supports Marylanders With Nearly 113,000 Jobs

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Larry Hogan today announced that, according to an economic impact report released by the Maryland Department of Commerce, the state’s tourism industry is continuing a strong recovery, recapturing nearly 90% of pre-pandemic visitor spending. In addition, the state reported increases over pre-pandemic levels in the key sectors of lodging and restaurants.

Fish & Hunt Maryland Creates First in the Nation Statewide Trail

Baltimore, MD (September 23, 2022) – On Saturday, September 24, 2022, which is the 50th Anniversary of National Hunting and Fishing Day, Fish & Hunt Maryland (FHMD) will launch its statewide Fly Fishing Trail to provide consumers with an in-depth resource for discovering unique places to fly fish.

Tourism Industry Recognizes the "Future of Travel"

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.”

Jails at Port Tobacco Courthouse, Mass Escape at Mackall Plantation at St. Mary’s College of Maryland, and St. Stephens’s A.M.E Cemetery at Unionville added to nearly 100 sites in state

Baltimore, MD (March 30, 2022) - The National Park Service this week announced the newly designated National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom members, including three new sites in Maryland. The new listings have verified connections to the Underground Railroad and provide insight into the experiences of freedom seekers who bravely escaped slavery and those who assisted them.

Commemorates 200th Anniversary of Harriet Tubman’s Birth, Fifth Anniversary of Opening of Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park and Visitor Center

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Larry Hogan today officially proclaimed 2022 as “The Year of Harriet Tubman” in Maryland as the state celebrates the 200th anniversary of the birth of the nation’s most renowned freedom fighter. The governor announced the designation at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park and Visitor Center in Church Creek as the kick-off to a full weekend of 200th birthday events celebrating the most famous conductor of the Underground Railroad.

Maryland Tourism is your one-stop-shop for inspiration, bucket list suggestions and special events

BALTIMORE, MD (January 20, 2022) – National Plan for Vacation Day is January 25, and it is the perfect time to begin planning a future Maryland vacation. The Maryland Department of Commerce’s Office of Tourism has just the right tools to help travelers discover the many attractions, scenic byways, outdoor recreational opportunities, and more that will make a vacation in Maryland a memorable experience.

Remarkable Scenic Byways Road Trips, A Solo Travel Article, and a Sampling of Iconic Family-Owned Restaurants Featured

BALTIMORE (January 3, 2022) – The Maryland Department of Commerce’s Office of Tourism announces the release of the 2022 Destination Maryland Magazine. This year’s free, full-color magazine retains the traditional regional listings of museums, attractions, history & heritage sites, arts & culture facilities, state and national parks, and visitor services; plus, highlights how readers can find their ideal getaway.

2021

Governor Larry Hogan Recognizes New Sites, Further Signifying Maryland as the Most Powerful Underground Railroad Storytelling Destination

Baltimore, MD (November 1, 2021) - The National Park Service recently announced the newly designated National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom members, including four new sites in Maryland. The new listings have verified connections to the Underground Railroad and provide insight into the experiences of freedom seekers who bravely escaped slavery and those who assisted them.

Month-long celebration highlights Maryland’s Freedom Fighters along the Underground Railroad with unique visitor experiences

BALTIMORE, MD (September 1, 2021) – Governor Larry Hogan today proclaimed September 2021 as the third annual International Underground Railroad Month. The month acknowledges the significance of the Underground Railroad, and all those involved, for its contribution to the eradication of slavery in the United States and as a cornerstone for a more comprehensive civil rights movement that followed. September also marks the self liberation of two of Maryland’s freedom fighters, Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass.

Tourism Industry to Recognize the Collective "Power of Travel"

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.

Governor Larry Hogan Recognizes Partners Involved in Nomination

BALTIMORE (March 10, 2021) Maryland’s Chesapeake Country Scenic Byway has been designated as an All-American Road by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the highest designation a road can receive.  This honor was announced along with 49 new designations to the America's Byways® collection, including 15 All-American Roads (AAR) and 34 National Scenic Byways (NSB) in 28 states.

Selected fellows will study, document, and provide interpretation for new Underground Railroad sites across Maryland

BALTIMORE, MD (February 2, 2021) - The Maryland Department of Commerce Office of Tourism has awarded four fellowships who will work with the Office of Tourism, the Legacy of Slavery in Maryland program at the Maryland State Archive

Maryland Tourism is your one-stop-shop for inspiration, bucket list suggestions, and playlist

BALTIMORE, MD (January 25, 2021) – National Plan for Vacation Day is January 26 and it is the perfect time to begin planning a

2020

Hotel packages, gift cards, and more being offered to entice local travel

BALTIMORE, MD (November 12, 2020) - The Maryland Department of Commerce Office of Tourism today launched a holiday campaign encouraging Marylanders to enjoy the holidays locally. The “Open for the Holidays” campaign inspires folks to shop, dine, stay, and entertain within the state during the holiday season to help support Maryland businesses.

Key equestrian events, including Preakness Stakes, taking place throughout the month

ANNAPOLIS, MD (September 29, 2020) – Today Governor Larry Hogan proclaimed October as Maryland Horse Month, recognizing the abundant historic, recreational, therapeutic, and economic contributions made by the state’s horse industry. Additionally, 2020 will be the first year that all of Maryland’s premiere equestrian sporting events, including the Preakness Stakes, are held in the same month due to scheduling changes in response to COVID-19.

Newly-designed website and Welcome Center re-openings help travelers enjoy Maryland’s open roads

BALTIMORE, MD (September 22, 2020) – The Maryland Department of Commerce Office of Tourism in partnership with the state’s 25 Destination Marketing Organizations has launched a new “Open Road” campaign.

Month-long celebration includes unveiling of new outdoor exhibits at Frederick Douglass Park on the Tuckahoe

BALTIMORE, MD (August 25, 2020) – Governor Larry Hogan today announced that September would be proclaimed International Underground Railroad Month for the second year in a row. International Underground Railroad Month acknowledges the significance of the Underground Railroad, and all those involved, for its contribution to the eradication of slavery in the United States and as a cornerstone for a more comprehensive civil rights movement that followed.

$20,000 grant will be used to fund fellowships to increase Maryland’s contributions to the Network to Freedom program

BALTIMORE, MD (July 14, 2020) - The Maryland Department of Commerce’s Office of Tourism has been awarded a $20,000 grant from the 400 Years of African-American History Commission, which was formed in 2018 under the National Park Service to honor 400 years of African-American history in the United States.

Tourism Industry to Celebrate the Unbreakable “Spirit of Travel”

BALTIMORE, MD (April 30, 2020) – As Maryland and the country continue to address the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Maryland Department of Commerce’s Office of Tourism will encourage Marylanders and visitors to show their “Spirit of Travel” during the 37th annual National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW) May 3-9, 2020.

Celebrate National Plan for Vacation Day by Planning a Maryland Vacation Travelers are encouraged to take time off to fulfill Maryland bucket list experiences

BALTIMORE, MD (January 27, 2020) – In celebration of National Plan for Vacation Day on January 28, the Maryland Department of Commerce’s Office of Tourism encourages travelers to commit now to taking time off in 2020 and fill their travel bucket list with Maryland experiences.

Welcome to the official page for Maryland Tourism media resources. Updates are made frequently, so come back often to find the latest. If you’re in need of immediate assistance, please email or call.

Maryland’s Guidelines for Working With the Travel Media

The mission of the public relations unit of Maryland’s Office of Tourism Development is to assist qualified journalists develop travel stories about Maryland’s destinations, attractions, accommodations, restaurants and travel-related businesses.

To serve you better, we have developed the following set of guidelines as a way of ensuring that all journalists receive equal treatment and that each experience is as productive as possible.

2020

Great American Takeout, WJZ-TV (3/24/20)

McClintock Distillery Creating Hand Sanitizer, WJZ-TV (3/19/20)

National Crabmeat Day, WBFF-TV (3/6/20)

Canada
Charmaine Singh
Reach Global Marketing
[email protected]

United Kingdom
Kylie Bawden
The Brighter Group, Finn Partners
[email protected]

Germany
Maria Greiner
Claasen Communication
[email protected]

For inspiration on Maryland travel, the following samples of story ideas will surely inspire your next perfect travel article, or provide inspiration for other matchless pieces. Discover why National Geographic Magazine aptly called Maryland “America in Miniature” in a nod to the state’s diversity of landscapes. Our state’s topography ranges from the forested mountains of Western Maryland to the sunny Atlantic Ocean beaches, while the Chesapeake Bay, the largest estuary in the country, nearly splits the state in two. You will find vibrant cities, charming small towns and acres of agricultural land, offering a variety of recreational activities, unique attractions, historical landmarks and hip events. Add comfortable lodging, delectable dining, and world-class arts and entertainment and your story will certainly jump off the page. If you need additional assistance, please use the Contact Us section and we are delighted to provide insider tips to help craft your Maryland story.

Maryland's Scenic Byways

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