Read more about the article Hello Harford Turns Tourism Strategy Into National Recognition
NACo Achievement Awards / Tourism
Hello Harford Turns Tourism Strategy Into National Recognition

Harford County earned a 2026 National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Award for a data-driven tourism initiative that uses marketing and strategic investment to attract visitors and strengthen the local economy. Hello Harford, the County’s tourism brand, earned recognition in NACo’s Community and Economic Development category for its coordinated approach to destination marketing and visitor engagement. The program works with tourism-related nonprofits, event organizers, and hospitality partners to strengthen Harford County's destination marketing. Through data…

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August 26, 2026
Read more about the article Tourism Through Connection: Leveraging Maryland’s Existing Assets
Economic Development / Summer Conference / Tourism
Tourism Through Connection: Leveraging Maryland’s Existing Assets

Transportation networks, tourism assets, and regional partnerships are helping Maryland counties strengthen local economies by connecting visitors to destinations in new ways. During the 2026 MACo Summer Conference session, “Connecting Visitors to Maryland: Transportation, Tourism, & Regional Growth,” Senator Mike McKay moderated a discussion on how counties can leverage existing assets, including airports, railroads, tourism destinations, and regional collaborations, to increase visitation, encourage longer stays, and support economic development. Shannetta Griffin, Executive Director and CEO…

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August 20, 2026
Read more about the article Check Out These Taste of MD Reception Samples at Summer #MACoCon
Summer Conference / Tourism
Check Out These Taste of MD Reception Samples at Summer #MACoCon

Attend the Taste of Maryland Reception on Thursday of MACo’s Summer Conference to sample everything Maryland has to offer! MACo’s Taste of Maryland Reception will be held on Thursday, August 13, from 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm in Exhibit Hall C (ticket required). Join us to experience tasting samples from unique and exciting venues across Maryland. Learn more about tourism destinations and agritourism ventures. Sample items like eastern shore oysters, western Maryland cheese, central Maryland beer, and…

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July 14, 2026
Read more about the article Assets That Drive Tourism & Economic Growth at #MACoCon
Economic Development / Summer Conference / Tourism
Assets That Drive Tourism & Economic Growth at #MACoCon

Sometimes the best way to grow tourism is not by building something new, but by making stronger connections to the assets already in place. Tourism is an important economic driver for counties, supporting local businesses, generating tax revenue, and helping communities showcase the places, experiences, and industries that make them unique. While marquee attractions often draw attention, many of Maryland's tourism successes are built around existing assets that connect visitors to communities in new ways.…

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July 6, 2026
Read more about the article 2026 Session: Recap and Wrap-Ups
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2026 Session: Recap and Wrap-Ups

Catch up on all of the latest outcomes of the 2026 Maryland General Assembly session with wrap-ups on important county-related bills in each policy area. Maryland’s 448th legislative session unfolded under significant fiscal pressure. Lawmakers closed the fiscal 2027 gap, preserved reserves, and fully funded principal commitments, such as the Blueprint, but did not resolve the larger structural deficits projected for the years ahead. That budget pressure shaped debates across nearly every policy area, from…

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April 17, 2026
Read more about the article Tourism, Infrastructure, and Economic Growth Take Center Stage at #MACoCon
Tommy Royther
Economic Development / MACo Events / News You Can Use / Tourism / Winter Conference
Tourism, Infrastructure, and Economic Growth Take Center Stage at #MACoCon

At the MACo Winter Conference, county leaders and partners examined how infrastructure investments can drive tourism growth while supporting residents and long-term economic vitality. The session focused on how counties plan projects that strengthen local economies, protect natural assets, and remain viable as climate conditions and travel patterns change. Baltimore City Council Vice President Sharon Green Middleton moderated the discussion and guided a wide-ranging conversation during “If You Build It, They Will Come: Infrastructure As…

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December 16, 2025
Read more about the article Talbot’s Cassandra Vanhooser Named Maryland Tourism Person of the Year
County News / Tourism
Talbot’s Cassandra Vanhooser Named Maryland Tourism Person of the Year

More than 200 tourism and hospitality professionals from across Maryland gathered in College Park from November 17–19 for the 44th Annual Maryland Travel & Tourism Summit (MTTS), hosted by the Maryland Tourism Coalition (MTC). The three-day summit brought together public and private sector leaders for education, networking, and collaboration focused on strengthening Maryland’s tourism economy. “Tourism is an integral part of our State economy, and it’s back stronger than ever,” said Ruth Toomey, Executive Director…

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December 4, 2025
Read more about the article If You Build It, They Will Come: Infrastructure As a Tourism Strategy at @MACoCon
Economic Development / Environment / Planning and Zoning / Tourism / Winter Conference
If You Build It, They Will Come: Infrastructure As a Tourism Strategy at @MACoCon

With a new multi-state Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement and local agencies focusing their own infrastructure plans on sustainability for tourism and economic growth, government agencies are quickly realizing they need to be developing projects with future viability in mind. Building a community that attracts visitors and businesses, while preserving the local landscape for year-round resident is vital. An upcoming 2025 MACo Winter Conference panel will feature experts from Western Maryland to the Eastern Shore discussing…

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December 1, 2025
Read more about the article Revised Bay Watershed Agreement Could Help Protect Local Tourism Industry
Environment / Tourism / Winter Conference
Revised Bay Watershed Agreement Could Help Protect Local Tourism Industry

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced recent revisions to the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement to improve wildlife populations, reduce water pollutants, and restore habitat. With a localized approach, officials hope to protect and sustain economic opportunities including local tourism industries.  According to a recent press release, Maryland representatives joined officials from around the Mid-Atlantic region to put forth a revised Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement that includes firm timelines, required pollution reductions, and ambitious goals…

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November 24, 2025
Read more about the article Carroll County Launches Agritourism Passport Program
Agriculture / County News / Economic Development / Environment / Tourism
Carroll County Launches Agritourism Passport Program

Carroll County Economic Development has launched the 2025 Carroll County Agritourism Passport Program! This inaugural passport program is a guide to discovering the best of Carroll County’s agritourism — from local farms and fresh foods to unforgettable seasonal experiences. The program is intended for residents, visitors, children, adults, individuals, or families. The passport encourages exploration, supports local farms, and showcases the region's rich agricultural heritage. There are over 20 participating sites across the county. From…

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June 13, 2025
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