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.”

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.

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.

It’s a great time to be a foodie with six great restaurant weeks on the menu in January. Enjoy seasonal specials and prix fixe menu options at
Baltimore Restaurant Week, January 13-22;
Bethesda Magazine Restaurant Week, January 13-22;
National Harbor Restaurant Week, January 14-20;
Harford County Restaurant Week, January 20-29; and
Baltimore County Restaurant Week, January 20-February 4.

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.

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.