Tourism…Having FUN is Serious Business
Tourism is a vital economic engine. In Howard County, it generates an astounding $780 million in visitor expenditures annually and employs over 10,000 people. When tourists spend their weekends at local events and attractions they take home fond memories and fun photos– but what they leave behind is tax dollars. In fact, in Howard County, thanks to tourism related activities, over $13 million in tax revenue can be reinvested annually by local government to sustain the quality of life for its residents.
To benefit our tourism related businesses and ensure that this revenue stream continues to flow, the Office of Tourism and Promotion works consistently to move Howard County forward both as a Mid-Atlantic weekend destination and a convenient, “2-4-1” home base for experiencing both Washington D.C. and Baltimore. Working together with our promotional partners, Howard County Government and the Maryland Office of Tourism Development, we strive to increase awareness about and travel to our destination. As a team we enthusiastically promote and celebrate all that is wonderful in Howard County– its historic towns, opportunities for outdoor recreation, local dining, signature festivals and cultural happenings.
Helping behind the scenes is a cast of thousands. We’d like you to meet a few of the individuals here in Howard County who the industry touches and who touch the industry. Some are obvious while others may seem unlikely, but they’ll all agree that for them, having fun IS serious business.
- On Main Street The Difference Between Black And Red Is Green.
Enalee Bounds, Main Street Entrepreneur - A Visit To The Pumpkin Patch Means More Than A Perfect Jack-O-Lantern.
Rowan Hastings, Pumpkin Aficionado - At This Lawn Party the Beat Goes on Long After the Music Stops.
Merriweather Post Pavilion - When You’re Leader Of The Pack It’s Important To Know Where You’re Going.
Bob Henig, Owner, Bob’s BMW - Tour & Travel Jobs Are Behind The Wheel When It Comes To Driving The Economy.
Robert Miles, Motorcoach Driver, Eyre Bus - It Takes More Than A Green Thumb To Grow A Family Farming Business.
Chuck Sharp, Owner, Sharp’s at Waterford Farms - At The End Of The Trail Lies The Beginning Of A Promise To Live Green.
Amy Lutsko, Ranger, Patapsco Valley State Park - Bringing People Together is a Way to Achieve an Even Greater Good.
Brother Vincent Vivan, member, The Shrine Of Saint Anthony - Our Goals Help Local Businesses Reach Their Goals Minus The Vuvuzelas
Mike Libber, Elite Tournaments - Saying “I DO” Helps Destinations And Businesses Live Happily Ever After.
Mala Sardana, Bride at Turf Valley - When it Comes to Delivering Customers, The Arts Play a Starring Role!
Lesley Malin, Chesapeake Shakespeare Company - Our Front Line Referrals Boost The Bottom Line for Neighboring Business.
LA McKnight, Sheraton Columbia Town Center Hotel - When We Preserve Our Roots Great Opportunities Grow Naturally.
Kit Valentine, Friends of the Patapsco Valley & Heritage Greenway - In Today’s Economy, Who’s Behind The Serving Tray Is The Secret Ingredient.
Ilana Katz, Server, Elkridge Furnace Inn
Howard County Office of Tourism & Promotion was recognized by the Maryland Tourism Council as Maryland’s 2009 Tourism Advocate of the Year for the “Tourism… I am IT!” marketing campaign.
