The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has named Maryland’s Chesapeake Country Byway an “All-American Road.” Part of the National Scenic Byways Program (NSBP), the All-American Road is the highest level of certification of the NSBP and has been awarded to only 49 roads. “Through their many unique qualities, each of these new additions to the National Scenic Read the Rest…
Governor Larry Hogan issued a proclamation recognizing February 20, the anniversary of Frederick Douglass’ death, as Civil Rights Heroes Day for the first time in Maryland history. “As we commemorate Black History Month, I am proud to honor the lives and legacies of Maryland’s iconic civil rights leaders, including Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, and Thurgood Read the Rest…
On February 12, Maryland Secretary of Commerce Kelly M. Schulz joined more than 130 attendees including industry advocates and elected officials for Maryland Tourism Day. In addition to Secretary Schulz, speakers included Liz Fitzsimmons, Managing Director, OTD, and recorded addresses from Comptroller of Maryland Peter Franchot and President of the Maryland Senate Bill Ferguson. Among Read the Rest…
The bipartisan Relief Act of 2021 was signed into law on February 15, 2021, and includes more than $1 billion in tax relief and economic stimulus for struggling families and small businesses who are suffering as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. A summary of the Relief Act can be found here. New COVID-19 relief funding Read the Rest…
The Maryland Historical Trust (MHT) and the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority (MHAA) organizations doing cultural, historical, and natural heritage work around the state. How has your organization been impacted by COVID-19 and the resulting changes to the economy and daily life? Based on results from a similar survey in 2020, MHT and MHAA grant programs extended reporting deadlines and began accepting secure electronic signatures on grant documents. MHAA also held an emergency grant round to Read the Rest…
The Maryland Heritage Areas Program encourages nominations for its grant review panel. The program has a few open spots on the FY 2022 panel and will also accept nominations for future grant review cycles on a rolling basis. If selected, panelists will have a unique opportunity to learn about and support Maryland’s historic, natural and Read the Rest…
The Maryland Office of Tourism is pleased to announce a pair of Certified Host training sessions. Certified Host Programs provide training to Maryland tourism partners who interact with visitors daily. This program’s goals are to increase knowledge about Maryland Office of Tourism initiatives and how you and your business/site can benefit from participating in them, Read the Rest…
Warehouse Cinemas is launching a program focused on highlighting Maryland with its March movie series, “Love Maryland.” The campaign will run throughout the month at Warehouse Cinemas in Frederick. The goal of the campaign is to shine a light on some top Maryland businesses in an effort to promote their products and services by spotlighting Maryland film, food, and drink. The Read the Rest…
As part of OTD’s continuing mission to improve its service to our partners in the tourism industry, we are reaching out to find how we can better serve your needs. OTD is currently hosting a pair of surveys to get partner feedback on Destination Maryland Magazine and Industry.VisitMaryland.org, our industry-focused website. For 22 years, OTD Read the Rest…
Four new members of the Maryland Tourism Board have been appointed by Governor Larry Hogan and are now officially hard at work supporting the tourism industry across the state. The new members, pictured left to right above, are Albert A. Spence, President, A.S. Midway Tours; Heather Shaffer Braue, Director of Marketing & Public Relations, Royal Read the Rest…