Westminster, MD, Thursday, May 8, 2025 – Today, in Open Session, the Board of County Commissioners proclaimed May 4 through 10 as National Travel and Tourism Week in Carroll County. National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW) is an industry tradition celebrating the value travel and tourism hold for the economy, businesses, personal well-being and more.  #NTTW25 showcases a $2.9 trillion industry that supports 15 million American jobs. One in every 11 U.S. jobs depends on travel, making it a critical driver of our economy and a force for connection and opportunity.

NTTW was established in 1983 by the U.S. Travel Association to support the industry’s role in stimulating economic growth, creating quality job opportunities, stimulating business activity, supporting communities and elevating residential quality of life. Throughout the week, tourism leaders across the nation will demonstrate how travel and tourism play an integral role in every industry and nearly everything we do. From manufacturing and agriculture to education and healthcare, industries across America rely on travel to drive operational growth, innovation and education.

Carroll County Economic Development Director Denise Beaver, Tourism Manager Bonnie Staub and Farm Museum Manager Jane Sewell were on hand as part of the proclamation. Economic Development created a dedicated webpage to celebrate the day and highlight one museum in each of Carroll’s eight municipalities.

The showcased museums include:

Carroll County Farm Museum
Hampstead Train Station Museum
Manchester Historical Center
Mount Airy Museum
New Windsor Heritage Museum
Sykesville Gate House Museum
Taneytown History Museum
Western Maryland Railroad Museum

Also, the Maryland Tourism Coalition’s initiative, “Maryland in a Day,” selected the Carroll County Westminster Main Street as the 5th stop of a day’s visit as part of the Old Main Street Byway. Taking place on May 6^th, the Maryland Tourism Coalition celebrated National Travel & Tourism Week by partnering with Chris Riehl, Baltimore personality and Baltimore Rent-a-Tour owner, to bring “Maryland in a Day” promotion to life. Chris traveled from the mountains of western Maryland to Pimlico Race Course, all in ONE day. Mr. Riehl highlighted many of Maryland’s amazing people, historic places and wonderful state treasures including Deep Creek Lake, Casselman River Bridge State Park in Garrett County, National Road Monument in Allegany County, Antietam National Battlefield in Washington County, Roddy Road Bridge in Frederick County, Main Street Westminster in Carroll County and Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore City.

The travel industry is connected to every community and business and will continue to be a critical part of Carroll County’s economy, development, and workforce. In Carroll, tourism sales in 2023 increased to $140 million, with sales and use tax collections over $4.8 million.

Department of Economic Development Director Denise Beaver said, “Travel and tourism is a vital industry to Carroll County and the country, helping to build a strong economy, creating jobs, and strengthening our community’s culture and identity. This National Travel and Tourism Week, we are proud to celebrate all that travel does for our community now as well as all the contributions expected in the future.”  

The Board of County Commissioners urges every resident to continue their support of local and regional travel and tourism enterprises and to thank them for their commitment to the community.

To learn more about the Carroll County Economic Development Office of Tourism, contact us, visit carrollcountytourism.org, or call 800-272-1933.

Meetings are available for viewing on the county meeting portal and the county YouTube channel. In addition, all meetings will be replayed on Comcast Channel 24.