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Maryland's Tourism Revenue Reaches $17 Billion, Supports Nearly 144,000 Jobs
Visitors to Maryland spent nearly $17 billion on travel expenses in 2015, up 3.5 percent from the previous year, according to “ The Economic Impact of Tourism in Maryland – Calendar Year 2015 Tourism Satellite Account,” a report released by OTD and produced by Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics Company. According to the report, 60 percent of visitor spending focused on three areas: food and beverage, lodging, and transportation. This spending has generated $2.3 billion in state and local tax revenues. Nearly 144,000 Marylanders were directly employed in the tourism industry in 2015, making it the 10th largest private sector employer in the state. The industry supported a payroll of $5.7 billion, which is an increase of 6 percent from 2014.
“Tourism continues to be a powerful industry in Maryland, providing a significant number of jobs and economic benefits for our citizens,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “The state and its partners are continuing to expand the visitor experience, and each year, we welcome more and more visitors to Maryland.”
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Destination Maryland 2017: The Official Guide to Maryland Travel is Available Now
Produced by the Maryland Office of Tourism Development, Destination Maryland is an inspirational travel guide that combines stunning photography and stories written by Maryland writers.
This year’s guide includes works from authors who have also written for publications including National Geographic, National Geographic Traveler, Smithsonian, and Washingtonian, and offers travel ideas including adventures of all kinds, road trip suggestions and tips from Maryland experts including celebrity chefs Brian and Michael Voltaggio. Destination Maryland is available at state Welcome Centers, restaurants, and other tourist locations and can be ordered free online at visitmaryland.org.
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Tourism and Arts Industry Advocates to Gather in Annapolis
Arts and Tourism advocates are planning their annual industry days in Annapolis, with Maryland Arts Day set for February 14 and Maryland Tourism Day scheduled for March 3. Produced by Maryland Citizens for the Arts, Maryland Arts Day brings stakeholders together with lawmakers to provide an opportunity for dialogue on the importance of arts and arts funding to Maryland. The event also features information sessions, the presentation of the Sue Hess Arts Advocate of the Year Award and more, and will be held at the Francis Scott Key Auditorium at St. John’s College. For more information and registration, follow this link to mdarts.org.
Maryland Tourism Day is sponsored by the Maryland Tourism Coalition and the Maryland Association of Destination Marketing Organizations, and provides an opportunity for tourism advocates to meet with their representatives to discuss the importance of tourism to the Maryland economy. “Tourism is a $16.8 billion industry in Maryland that generates nearly $2.3 billion in state and local taxes and supports nearly 144,000 jobs,” says Liz Fitzsimmons, managing director, TFA. "Maryland Tourism Day is a great opportunity for industry leaders to share that message with our legislators.” For more information, visit the Maryland Tourism Coalition’s website, www.mdtourism.org.
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Celebrate Winter Dining During Restaurant Weeks Across Maryland
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Maryland Hotel Lodging Association Calls for “Stars of the Industry” Nominations
The Maryland Hotel Lodging Association has put out a call for nominations for their 28th annual “Stars of the Industry” awards. Nominations fall under three categories: Employee Awards, Lodging Property Achievement Awards, and Allied Member Awards, and must be received by January 13. Award winners will be announced at the Stars of the Industry Awards Luncheon to be held on Tuesday, February 7 at The Hotel at Arundel Preserve in Hanover. For more information follow this link.
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Maryland Minute
Each week, the Maryland Minute provides highlights and insights on this weekend’s events around the state. Maryland Minute is featured on CBS radio stations in Baltimore and Washington, D.C. and on Baltimore’s WBAL-AM 1090.
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Discover the Dinosaur Show, Timonium |
From close-up encounters with life-like dinosaurs including the T-Rex, Stegosaurus and Velociraptor to a Jr. Paleontologist scavenger hunt, fossil digging, cretaceous crafts, and more. For more information, visit our events page. |
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Nautical & Wildlife Art Festival, Ocean City
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The Shore’s premier presentation of nautical & wildlife artists. Noted painters, sculptors, model shipbuilders & multi-media artists highlight this annual show. For more information, visit our events page. |
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