JOIN HOWARD COUNTY TOURISM

As a not-for-profit membership-based organization, Howard County Tourism represents over 200 members across Howard County. Our mission is to increase, develop and promote tourism in Howard County by featuring the county’s unique sites, services, products and people.

Membership in Howard County Tourism is open to any individual or business with an interest in tourism. Our partners represent a wide range of business and industry, including accommodations, bars and restaurants, cultural organizations, educational institutions, leisure activities, local attractions, retail establishments, sporting events and organizations, transportation, etc. Howard County Tourism works in collaboration with its partners to ensure that their information is placed directly in the hands of visitors, businesses, travelers, residents, and people relocating to Howard County.

What an Investment in Tourism Brings Your Business

Leads. From FAM tours to individual travelers, Howard County Tourism provides members with leads on prospective groups and meetings generated through Tourism’s participation in industry trade shows, meeting planner associations, the Maryland Office of Tourism Development, etc.

Exposure. Members are entitled to: display and advertise their promotional materials in the Visitor Information Center in Historic Ellicott City; a listing in over 200,000 annual copies of Howard County Tourism's Howard County Quick Guide; a listing on Tourism's website; discounted advertising opportunities; and appropriate inclusion at regional, national and local group and leisure travel shows.

FAM Tours. Members have the opportunity to participate in familiarization visits by meeting planners, group tours, media, etc.

Public Relations Opportunities. Howard County Tourism regularly distributes press releases and pitches stories to local, regional and national media outlets to promote members and the County.

Networking. Members are invited to attend several meetings, forums and events held throughout the year. At these events you will have the opportunity to network with other local business people.

Publications. Members receive free listing in 220,000 annual copies of Howard County Tourism's guide to our destination, which also serves as THE OFFICIAL CONCERT PROGRAM FOR MERRIWEATHER POST PAVILION. You can see a copy of the most recent guide here. Our guide also includes a calendar of events consisting of important happenings such as activities, and events submitted by members. These guides are distributed locally at area businesses and events, nationally at welcome centers and at trade shows.

Partners, Howard County Tourism’s quarterly e-newsletter, is sent out on the first day of each quarter and provides news & information on tourism trends, members, and tourism affiliates.

Click here to fill out or download application

Benefits (At a Glance)

• Howard County Tourism Visitors' & Residents' Guide - Free Listing (a $500 value)
• Sales leads distribution for meeting groups
• Familiarization tour participation (Meet tour operators, meeting planners and travel writers)
• Free listing and link on Tourism’s web site
• Educational forums
• Visitor Information Center referral service and brochure display
• Quarterly membership newsletter
• Inclusion in press releases and other public relations efforts
• Cooperative advertising and trade shows
• Networking opportunities (e.g., Annual Fundraiser, Hotel Breakfast Club, Main Street Breakfast Club, etc.)
• Annual Meeting

Corporate Partners:

• Corporate Partners are companies, organizations, and institutions that partner with Howard County Tourism. In addition to regular membership benefits corporate members receive:
• Logo signage at Howard County Tourism's Annual Meeting, an event attended by many of the County's top businesspersons and government employees
• Two (2) complimentary tickets to Howard County Tourism's Annual Fundraiser

Howard County Tourism - Fast Facts

• Tourism generated $460.5 million in total county expenditures from domestic visitors in 2004.
• The tourism industry generated 4,900 direct jobs in 2004. This is 3.3% of total county employment.
• Without tourism, the county unemployment rate would have been 6.4% instead of 3.1%.
• Tourism generated $15.1 million in County tax receipts in 2004. This is 2.6% of total county tax revenue.

Annual Investment Options (as of 2006):

Promotional Partner

Corporate $500
Profit $200
Non-profit $100

Hotel Promotional Partners

Fewer than 75 beds $200
75-150 beds $350
Over 150 beds $500

Real Estate Partners

Individual agent $200
Up to 5 agents in the office $350
More than 5 agents in office $750

A Partnership You Can Use!

Testimonials:

"Congratulations to the Howard County Tourism team for continued excellence in bringing excitement and tourism to our county!"
' Cheryl Duvall,
Avancé, LLC.

"As a member of Howard County Tourism, the benefits and networking opportunities have been incredibly valuable!"
' Matt Eyre,
Eyre Tour & Travel, Ltd.
Eyre Bus Service, Inc.

For broadcasting advertisement opportunities click here.

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Howard Life Calendar of Events Form