Howard County’s Savage Mill Bucks Support Small Business and Summer Tourism

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball launched the Savage Mill Bucks program this week to bolster local businesses and boost tourism in Historic Savage. The initiative provides $10 vouchers for residents and visitors to spend at more than 70 small businesses in Savage Mill during the summer months.   The County committed $10,000 to fund approximately 1,000 vouchers. The program runs from June through August 2025, offering a direct incentive to shop local and explore Savage…

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Howard Unveils New Public Transportation Trolley Service

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball unveiled the transformational Old Ellicott City (OEC) Trolley, a new public transportation service coming to historic Ellicott City’s Main Street starting Saturday, May 17th. Inspired by the historic Trolley streetcar that ran along Main Street for more than 50 years during the 19th and 20th centuries, the new OEC Trolley will better connect residents, employees, and visitors to businesses and historical resources in historic Ellicott City. "Together, we all share…

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MD Launches 25 in 2025 Statewide Parks Challenge

The Maryland Park Service has launched the 25 in 2025 Adventure Challenge, inviting individuals and families to complete at least 25 themed activities across Maryland’s state parks by November 15, 2025. The program showcases the park system's rich natural and historical variety, from island hikes and lighthouse visits to disc golf and geological discoveries. Participants can mix and match challenges, and while registration isn’t required, those who donate $25 will be eligible for a prize…

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Hello Harford Brings Data to Destination Marketing

Harford County gathered more than 120 hoteliers, museums, attractions, and other tourism-related organizations on Thursday for the launch of “Hello Harford,” the county’s new approach to tourism using innovative technology, strategic marketing, and inclusive collaboration. Tourism marketing is funded by the county’s 6% hotel tax. The launch event at Swan Harbor Farm in Havre de Grace was organized by the Harford County Department of Economic Development, which is overseeing Hello Harford under the direction of…

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Panel Talks Boosting Local Economies Through Tourism

Maryland Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) lead the way in showcasing all Maryland has to offer to our residents and visitors from other states. At MACo's Winter Conference, a distinguished panel highlighted the vital role of Maryland's DMOs in the state's economic growth. With a focus on innovative infrastructure projects and a strong commitment to enhancing visitor experiences, these organizations are helping elevate Maryland as a premier destination for residents and out-of-state travelers. The Honorable Jefferson…

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Read more about the article Foundations of Innovation: Boosting Local Economies Through Tourism Infrastructure
Wendy Duke - Frederick County Tourism
Foundations of Innovation: Boosting Local Economies Through Tourism Infrastructure

MACo's Winter Conference, Dec 11-13, promises to offer something for everyone. Ways to boost Maryland's economy and bring more visitors to our state are important topics for any elected official. Don't miss our session on tourism infrastructure! Maryland Destination Marketing Organizations are leaders in showcasing all Maryland has to offer - to both our residents and those from other states. One of our Winter Conference sessions will feature these experts and the projects and programs…

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A #MACoCon Discussion: Arts Amplify Tourism Opportunities

At MACo's Summer Conference, an expert panel shared how to provide unique local experiences by connecting arts and tourism for both residents and visitors.  These programs offer immersive encounters to all that attend and provides for economic revitalization and community pride.   The speaker panel included: Steven Skerritt-Davis, Executive Director, Maryland State Arts Council Marie Nuthall, Plein Air Easton Coordinator, Avalon Foundation Kristen Pironis, Executive Director, Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County Kara Norman, Executive Director,…

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Your Chance to Explore Agritourism with UMES Extension’s Traveling Workshop

UMES Extension brings you another opportunity to learn Agritourism in Maryland. UMES Extension is organizing an event Traveling Agritourism Workshop on Thursday, September 26, 2024. WHAT TO EXPECT Select stops include: BayBees Honey, an apiary in Whaleyville. Sugar Water Manor, a farm bed-and-breakfast in Westover. WHAT YOU WILL LEARN Select topics include (but not limited to): What and why? Role in this field Business aspects of the operations including value addition, branding and marketing Handling/managing…

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Navigating Opportunity: Results of the Chesapeake Bay Ferry System Feasibility Study

MACo’s Summer Conference, “Turning the Tide,” is scheduled for August 14-17, 2024, in Ocean City, MD. Don't miss it! MACo is proud to offer a wide variety of educational topics and discussions as part of its Summer Conference. Topics range from parks and recreation to Artificial Intelligence to budgeting and everything in between. As a special session in 2024, MACo will be hosting an in-depth look at the results of a feasibility study for the…

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