Per the State of Maryland:
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. The state continues to experience a strong economic recovery as a whole, including an unemployment rate below pre-pandemic levels.
“This report is another milestone showing that Maryland is experiencing one of the strongest recoveries in the nation,” said Governor Hogan. “The hard work and resilience of our hundreds of tourism professionals, along with aggressive efforts by our Maryland Office of Tourism to promote new ways to enjoy our state and its resources, has brought visitors back to Maryland in a big way.”
“Maryland’s tourism industry is well positioned and open to welcome visitors to our state,” said Maryland Commerce Secretary Mike Gill. “It is our intention to continue to finish strong with the tourism industry leading the recovery in visitor spending and job creation.”
The report also showed that spending by overnight visitors increased nearly 6% from $784 in 2019 to $830 in 2021. When comparing 2021 to 2020, the report found that visitor spending grew 42% from $11.6 billion in 2020 to $16.4 billion in 2021. Domestic and international visitors also increased, up to 35.2 million in 2021 from 24.7 million the previous year.
Another key measurement of economic output is the “Sales and Use Tax” as reported by the Maryland Comptroller. This is reported on a Fiscal Year rather than on the Calendar Year and it also reports increases in two important tourism industry sectors, taking into account inflationary pressures:
Lodging:
FY 22 vs. FY 21 increased 170%
FY 22 vs. FY 19 increased 10%
Restaurant:
FY 22 vs. FY 21 increased 97%
FY 22 vs. FY 19 increased 31%
“One reason attributable to the recovery was the continuation of marketing efforts by The Maryland Office of Tourism promoting the “Big Five”: The Most Powerful Underground Railroad Storytelling Destination in the World; The Chesapeake Bay; Fish and Hunt Maryland; Trail System Second to None; and Scenic Byways,” said Liz Fitzsimmons, managing director of the Maryland Office of Tourism. “These truly ‘only in Maryland’ experiences have proven to be successful in the past – we relied on them to guide our efforts and we will continue to build upon them in the future.”
The Maryland Office of Tourism is an agency within the Maryland Department of Commerce. Visitors to the state spent $16.4 billion on travel-related expenses in 2021. The Maryland tourism industry also generated $2.1 billion in state and local taxes, essentially saving each Maryland household $923 in annual taxes, and directly supported Marylanders with nearly 113,000 jobs. For more information, go to www.visitmaryland.org.
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FREE Shred Day
Join us at Lafayette Federal Credit Union for a Free Community Shred Day, an event dedicated to helping you protect your privacy and the environment! Bring your old bank statements, bills, medical records, and any other paper documents that need secure disposal, and we'll take care of them on the spot.
Why You Should Come:
Protect Your Privacy: Safely shred sensitive documents to help prevent identity theft.
Eco-Friendly: All shredded material will be recycled, supporting our commitment to sustainability.
Complimentary Breakfast: Enjoy a free breakfast on us--start your day right with good food and good company!
Exciting Giveaways & Prizes: Don't miss out on giveaways and be sure to enter our drawing for a chance to win one of four $100 gift cards.
This event is open to all! It's a fantastic opportunity to clean out those old documents cluttering up your home, safe in the knowledge that they will be disposed of securely. Plus, it's completely free!
Don't miss out on this chance to declutter safely, enjoy some free treats, and possibly win a great prize. We look forward to seeing you there, rain or shine!
For more information, contact us at www.lfcu.events/shred.
FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival
Get ready to experience the vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and infectious rhythms of the Caribbean at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival! Hosted by RHU LLC, this exciting festival is set to take place on May 18, 2024, at the picturesque 16700 Barnesville Rd in Boyds, MD.
Step into a world where the Caribbean spirit comes alive! From 12:00 PM onwards, immerse yourself in a sensory journey that celebrates the unique culture, cuisine, and music of the Caribbean. Whether you're an African American, a Reggae or Soca music enthusiast, a wine lover, or part of the vibrant Caribbean diaspora, this festival promises to delight and captivate you in every way.
Let the enticing aromas of mouthwatering Caribbean dishes tantalize your taste buds. Feast on traditional delicacies prepared by expert chefs, showcasing the rich and diverse culinary heritage of the Caribbean. Indulge in flavorful jerk chicken, succulent seafood, and delectable plantain dishes that will transport you straight to the islands.
Accompanying the culinary extravaganza is a carefully curated selection of premium wines, ensuring the perfect pairing for your palate. Sip on fine wines from renowned vineyards, each sip a reflection of the Caribbean's vibrant spirit. Discover new flavors, expand your wine knowledge, and savor unforgettable moments with every glass.
As the sun sets, get ready to groove to the infectious rhythms of Caribbean music. Feel the pulsating beats of reggae, soca, dancehall, and calypso, moving your body to the lively melodies. Live performances by talented musicians and performers will keep the energy high, ensuring a night of unforgettable entertainment.
Don't miss this opportunity to embrace the Caribbean spirit and celebrate the arrival of spring in style! Tickets are available on AllEvents, so secure your spot today. Join us at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival, where cultures collide and unforgettable memories are made.
LIVE PERFORMANCES By: CULTURE Feat. Kenyatta Hill, EXCO LEVI, IMAGE BAND, RAS LIDJ REGG'GO with Special Guest SUGAR BEAR FROM E.U. & MORE! & MORE!
MUSIC By: DJ ABLAZE, DJ SMALLY & NAJ SUPREME
2 NIGHT Camping packages available: RV/CAMPER $200 | TENTS $150 Starting on Friday May 17 @ 5pm | 30 RV SPACES | 30+ TENT SPACES
KIDS 12 & UNDER FREE!!!
