A New Strategic Plan
Charting Visit Baltimore ’ s course for the next three to five years .
Visit Baltimore is at the end of a seven-year strategic plan that was launched in 2019 . Over that time , we have made tremendous strides as an organization , promoting our vibrant destination while pivoting to meet the unexpected challenges of the pandemic . We are now at a point where we can thoughtfully plan for our next phase of growth , defining our vision for the future and identifying the steps necessary to reach that vision .
Strategic planning is essential for several reasons . It provides direction and focus , aligning our initiatives with our long-term goals . By setting clear objectives and priorities , we ensure that our resources — time , budget and talent — are used effectively . This process also allows us to anticipate and adapt to changes in the market , such as emerging travel trends and political , societal and economic shifts , thus keeping our destination competitive and our approach compelling and innovative . Moreover , a strategic plan creates a roadmap for stakeholders , board members , partners and staff , clarifying our mission and the role each participant plays in achieving it .
Our full strategic plan will be unveiled in FY25 , but you can see a glimpse of the work done to date in the updated mission , vision and values outlined at the start of this annual report .
Welcoming Guests at the Visitor Center
Staff continue to work hard to ensure that the more than 65,000 visitors who walk through the doors of the Baltimore Visitor Center have an enjoyable and welcoming experience . This year several aesthetic updates were made , including a fresh coat of paint , a new vending machine and decorative photos .
The Visitor Center also displays local art and memorabilia from Sankofa Children ’ s Museum , The Running Festival and the National Great Blacks In Wax Museum to give visitors a sampling of what they can expect around Baltimore . The gift shop sells local goods from Black Acres Roastery , Hon ’ s Honey , Niro Designs , Mount Royal Soaps , Yorktown Spice and Moore Crunch . This year , Baltimore Strong shirts were also sold to help raise money for the families of the workers that lost their lives in the Key Bridge collapse .
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