Tourism...You are IT!

NEW for 2009--Check IT out!

Check IT out.

What is IT?
The Howard County Tourism Council is rolling out a new outreach campaign designed to create awareness of the significant impact and scope of the tourism industry on the economy.

“Tourism- I am It!” presents an unconventional look at who is touched by the industry and who the industry touches. With a tagline that acknowledges, “Having Fun is Serious Business,” tourism officials believe the ads will change the perception of their mission from marketing fun and entertainment to that of a vital economic engine that drives a significant portion of the economy. By featuring local people and places, the ads put a face on tourism, and explain how tourism’s marketing efforts not only help their businesses succeed, but enable them to impact the community as well. This campaign made its introduction at the Tourism Council’s annual meeting and the October Business Monthly.

The new campaign was designed to complement the new promotional look that was debuted last year in the Tourism Council’s marketing ads for Howard County. Featuring a collection of phrases such as savor it, see it, taste it, feel it and find it, the new promotional ads culminate with “Howard LIFE… Live It.”™

TOURISM, Having FUN is Serious Business
The Howard County Tourism Council’s Board of Directors of business and community leaders together with the Tourism Team of energetic marketing professionals are moving Howard County forward as a weekend destination and smart choice for corporate travelers. Howard County Tourism works with our promotional partners, Howard County Government and the Maryland Office of Tourism Development to be an active part of increasing tourism expenditures for the benefit of the State and County and its citizens.

Tourism in Howard County is a half a billion dollar industry that employs thousands and directly impacts the County’s general fund with over $16 million in tax receipts from the hotel / motel, related sales and amusement taxes. Tourists spend their weekends at Howard County’s
events and attractions, taking home with them fond memories and fun photos then leaving behind tax dollars that are reinvested to maintain our resident’s high quality of life.

TOURISM, I am It!
Tourism is a vital industry to Howard County’s economic health and the well being of its citizens. Tourism promotes and celebrates all that is wonderful in Howard County, its historic towns, opportunities for outdoor recreation, local dining, signature festivals and cultural
happenings. Visitors and residents are encouraged to indulge in Howard County’s many amenities and weekend offerings and as we say Savor It, Flaunt It and Live It! Many of these Tourism offerings are made possible by partnerships in the business and local community that at a glance seem unlikely –a motorcycle dealership or the local cable company. Yet they
are an essential part of Tourism. And yes, Tourism is your favorite bartender, Tourism is that antique shoppe with the must have home décor and Tourism is your family’s annual pilgrimage to the pumpkin patch. So the next time you, your friends and family play a round of golf, get
pampered at a spa or rock out at Merriweather, say to one another, YES, Tourism, I am It too!