The Official Site of the Maryland Office of Tourism

GOVERNOR O’MALLEY ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR 25TH ANNUAL  NATIONAL TOURISM WEEK CELEBRATION
May 15th Openings Showcase Travel and Tourism Industry  

Baltimore, MD (May 8, 2008) – Governor Martin O’Malley today announced the schedule of events for the 25th Annual National Tourism week celebration in Maryland. Maryland joins hundreds of cities, states and businesses nationwide in the Travel Industry Association of America (TIA)’s annual salute to travel and tourism in America during National Tourism Week, May 10-18.

“Maryland is proud to partner with such a dedicated organization to celebrate the economic and social impact of travel in America,” said Governor O’Malley. “Tourism is not only the fourth leading industry in Maryland, it also contributes significantly to the quality of life for Maryland citizens.”  

During National Tourism Week, events will be held at 10 of Maryland’s Welcome Centers to encourage travelers to explore the diversity of Maryland’s attractions, destinations and cultural assets. Representatives of local restaurants, hotels and attractions will be on hand to greet travelers with literature and information.

 “Tourism week in Maryland not only gives us the opportunity to reflect on the tremendous contributions the tourism and hospitality industries make to our economy, but also allows us to highlight the vast array of historical, recreational and family-friendly sites and attractions that make Maryland an increasingly popular travel destination,” said David W. Edgerley, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development.  

Due to the temporary closure and reconstruction of the I-70 East and Westbound Welcome Centers, an interim Welcome Center will be housed in a storefront at Prime Outlets Hagerstown, one of the top tourism destinations in Western Maryland with more than 4.5 million shopping visits annually. The grand-opening will be held on May 15 at 10 a.m. State and local officials as well as industry partners have been invited to attend. Additionally, Maryland’s mobile tourism unit will be on hand with interactive games and information.  

Later that afternoon, tourism officials and industry partners will host festivities at the Sideling Hill Welcome Center for a 2 p.m. ribbon cutting for the recently installed electronic information kiosk. This outdoor kiosk provides after-hours assistance, such as printed information and directions to accommodations, recreation, dining and shopping in both Allegany and Garrett counties. Refreshments will be available. Both events are open to the public.  

“The Maryland Office of Tourism will have much to celebrate on May 15 with two major events: the opening of the I-70 Welcome Center at Prime Outlets and the information kiosk ribbon cutting at the Sideling Hill Welcome Center,” added Margot Amelia, Executive Director of the Maryland Office of Tourism.  

Maryland’s latest visitor data confirms that in 2006, the State welcomed more than 28 million visitors who generated more than $11.4 billion in visitor spending. That figure is up from $10.7 billion the previous calendar year. During 2006, the Maryland tourism industry generated more than $895 million in state and local taxes and provided more than 116,000 jobs to Maryland residents.  

For more information on Maryland’s Welcome Centers, or to obtain a Maryland Travel Kit, visit www.visitmaryland.org or call 800-719-5900.  

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