2010 Tourism Guide for Maryland Now Available

DESTINATION MARYLAND: THE OFFICIAL GUIDE TO MARYLAND STATE TRAVEL

BALTIMORE (April 22, 2010) – The Maryland Office of Tourism Development has released its 2010 edition of Destination Maryland: The Official Guide to Maryland State Travel . This free magazine contains itineraries and listings for more than 2,000 attractions, destinations, state and national parks, lodging, and tour and travel services.

The magazine also includes a "Maryland Welcome! Passport," good for up to $3,500 in savings at 250 attractions, restaurants, retailers and places to stay. To obtain a copy of Destination Maryland , call 800-719-5900 or visit Maryland's tourism web site at www.visitmaryland.org

Last year the Office of Tourism launched an innovative online flip-book version of Destination Maryland. "In addition to the traditional print version, we will once again provide the entire contents of Destination Maryland online," said Tourism Director Margot A. Amelia. "This lowers publishing and distribution costs, and at the same time, makes the guide more accessible to a wider audience."

Destination Maryland is organized by region, and the magazine highlights multiple itineraries, historical sites, and attractions for visitors. Venues include family-friendly museums, sporting events and romantic getaways. In addition, Destination Maryland details transportation tips, outdoor adventures, and a selection of special events for visitors.

According to D.K. Shifflet and Associates, in 2008 more than 28 million visitors traveled to Maryland, spending $14.5 billion on tourism-related expenses including transportation, food, lodging, shopping, and entertainment. Tourism is the eighth largest employment industry in Maryland with more than 146,000 people employed. Maryland tourism contributed $1.8 billion to state and local taxes.

The Maryland Office of Tourism is an agency of the Division of Tourism, Film and the Arts within the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development.

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