A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO AND BOARD CHAIR
Beyond Words : Elevating Baltimore ’ s Stories & Storytellers
As we reflect on this past fiscal year , we are proud of the incredible things we were able to accomplish together as a community to build a bright future for the hospitality and tourism industry while working to contribute to Baltimore ’ s ever-evolving story . We continue to rebound and overcome the challenges caused by the events of the past few years that have rocked our industry and the local economy , but this year showed us that with community and storytelling , we can make great things happen .
In fiscal year 2023 ( FY23 ), we focused on the ways we are shaping and telling the Baltimore story while uplifting the incredible people and experiences that contribute to our city ’ s culture . We worked collaboratively to create a new value proposition that emphasizes tourism ’ s ability to improve Baltimore City residents ’ quality of life via the positive economic impact of outside visitors experiencing all our city has to offer . And our team brought Baltimore ’ s story to life in cities like Washington D . C ., New York and Chicago through experiential events that showed people from other destinations the incredible things they can see , do and eat when visiting and hosting meetings in Baltimore .
This year we pushed for greater investment in the Baltimore Convention Center ( BCC ), shining a spotlight on the importance of Baltimore ’ s meetings and conventions industry . In 2022 , 51 events at the BCC brought in an estimated total of $ 136.6 million in economic impact . Baltimore has the walkability , proximity to the I-95 corridor , access to transportation , affordability , diversity , culture , culinary scene and attractions to be one of the best destinations for meetings and conventions , but to remain competitive , we need to modernize our convention center facilities . We are excited to see the beginning of those improvements with some initial funding that came in this year and we will continue to seek the support required to stand out from other cities .
We are also energized by the launch of several new developments and investments in major city projects like CFG Bank Arena , the Baltimore Peninsula , the Walk at Warner Street , Penn Station , the newly redeveloped Lexington Market and importantly , the reimagining of Harborplace and our sports stadiums . These investments in Baltimore help us tell the story of where we are headed when we keep community at the forefront of everything we do .
Thank you for your support of Visit Baltimore and for your commitment to helping us create a story for our city that we are all proud to share . We look forward to working with you to continue shining a light on all that is exceptional about Baltimore .
Al Hutchinson President & CEO
Charles G . “ Chuck ” Tildon , III Chairman , Baltimore Convention & Tourism Board of Directors
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