“ It ’ s a win-win for the city when we [ can ] attract traffic by simply being welcoming to all . Every ... new hire on our property is required to watch the DEI video training , and in addition to that , [ we have ] weekly conversations on different methods and ways we can ... continue our Warm Welcome journey .”
CHRIS ALLEN , LEAD SALES ENTHUSIAST , CANOPY BY HILTON HARBOR POINT
Measuring Our Impact
Visit Baltimore has secured several positive media stories around Warm Welcome , including local print , local broadcast , national trade and even a mention in international publications . These media hits represent a cumulative reach of over 20 million readers and viewers .
• Baltimore Business Journal
• WBAL TV
• WJZ TV
• Travel Agent Central
• The Meetings Magazine
• Convention South Magazine
• Black Meetings & Tourism
• Telegraph UK
Warm Welcome is making its mark in the tourism industry . Visit Baltimore ’ s President & CEO Al Hutchinson has presented the program at several industry conferences and on multiple panels focused on advancing DEI , including :
• Tuscaloosa CVB Presentation
• African American Motorcoach Association
• CIAA DEI Panel Discussion
• National Governor Association Annual Meeting
• CDME Sales & Marketing Leadership Course
Staying Connected with the Cultural Tourism Advisory Committee
Visit Baltimore facilitates the Cultural Tourism Advisory Committee which meets at least once a quarter to discuss the latest happenings in the cultural community and ways to support one another . Approximately 50 different museums , attractions and institutions are represented on this committee and are regularly engaged in sharing best practices .
Re-Starting the Visit Baltimore Education & Training Foundation
After pausing during the height of the pandemic , the Visit Baltimore Education & Training Foundation has been taking time to develop a strategic platform that aligns with the needs of the local workforce . Board members , who are also key stakeholders from multiple sectors of the tourism community , have created committees that will focus on workforce development programming to support up and coming tourism and hospitality professionals .
Scheduled programming will include the existing apprenticeship programs in addition to event-based initiatives that support local high school and college students with career access . In the next fiscal year , the organization will unveil updated branding and additional opportunities for industry partnership .
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 33