BALTIMORE (Map, News) - Baltimore is a city on the rise.

Based on 2005 visitor statistics, international tourism is up 13 percent, tourist-generated money increased by $700 million, and 12 million visitors last year mark a seven-year high.

“People want to come to a city that is constantly adding and changing, and that’s what Baltimore is,” said Nancy Hinds, vice president of public affairs for the Baltimore Area Convention and Visitors Association.

In just one year, the city opened two new attractions, Sports Legends at Camden Yards and the Reginald F. Lewis Museum.

Sites like the Walters Art Museum, the National Aquarium and the American Visionary Art Museum speak for the culture of the city, while Fort McHenry anchors Baltimore’s history.

“Baltimore is a city that has a lot of offerings and appeal for everyone,” Hinds said. “It is a well-balanced destination.”

In their quest to visit these and other sites, tourists poured $850 million into Maryland’s sales tax money.

This meant Maryland residents saved an average of $160 last year in taxes. The total direct spending of visitors reached $2.96 billion in 2005.

But the effects of tourism go much further, including those employed to serve and accommodate guests from all across the world.

According to a study by the Travel Industry Association of America, tourists contributed $10.7 billion to the statewide economy. That’s up from $10 billion the previous year.

When compared with cities of similar size and cultural attractions — like Washington and Philadelphia — Baltimore being a “very walkable city” sets it apart, Hinds said.

The increase in tourism reflects the opinion of Frommer’s Travel Guide which named Baltimore one of the top 10 places to visit in the summer of 2005.

Other destinations on the list included Belize, Barcelona and Brazil.

An internationally focused $300,000 ad campaign didn’t hurt either, officials said, netting an estimated return of $2 million. Most foreign tourists to the state came from England, France and other European countries.

Dennis Castleman, the state’s business and economic development assistant secretary, said the new focus is China.

Maryland just printed out tourism brochures in Chinese, and the state is set to devote a decent chunk of its $350,000 international ad campaign in 2007 to China.

“We hope to continue to raise destination awareness,” Hinds said. “Because once people come here, they’ll love it and come back again.”

Staff Writer Dena Levitz contributed to this article.

mmccarron@baltimoreexaminer.com

Comments from Examiner Readers

12:16 PM MST on Tue., May. 13, 2008 re: "City opens arms to small businesses"

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Conscientious observer - you are an idiot and deserve what happened to you.

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2:24 PM MST on Mon., Apr. 14, 2008 re: "Home Depot drops South City proposal"

Conscientious Observer said:
A 'heads up' for those men who may be regular Home Depot customers. Over the last month I became a victim of a clever scam while out shopping. Simply going out to get supplies has turned out to be quite traumatic. Don't be naive enough to think it couldn't happen to you or your friends. Here's how the scam works: Two seriously good-looking 25-28 year-old girls come over to your car as you are packing your shopping into the trunk. They both start wiping your windshield with a rag and Windex, with their breasts almost falling out of their skimpy T-shirts. It is impossible not to look. When you thank them and offer them a tip, they say 'No' and instead ask you for a ride to another Home Depot. You agree and they get in the backseat. On the way, they start undressing. Then one of them climbs over into the front seat and starts crawling all over you, while the other one steals your wallet. I had my wallet stolen April 4th, 9th, 10th & twice on the

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8:24 PM MST on Sun., Feb. 3, 2008 re: "Southwest Airlines brings low-cost flights to Dulles"

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Are there flights out of MacArthur Airport on Long Island New York to Washington Dulles

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3:29 PM MST on Sat., Feb. 2, 2008 re: "A complaint about delivery of The Baltimore Examiner"

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I understand that we should not choose a President based on his religious beliefs,but tell me---how can we support a President in defending our country when he doesn"t even believe in pledging allegiance to it!!!!?????

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9:31 AM MST on Thu., Jan. 31, 2008 re: "New alarm aimed at fighting construction theft"

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The Dewalt system is good for notification but the alarm only sounds for 20 seconds and shuts off. The alarm is not loud at all if it were in the middle of a large job site nobody would hear it.

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9:20 PM MST on Sun., Dec. 30, 2007 re: "Celsion CEO resigns as firm deals to retain market listing"

Makis said:
Nice!

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10:19 PM MST on Wed., Dec. 19, 2007 re: "Harford County fighting the battle of Fort Monmouth"

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I can't believe Fort Monmouth has a bunch of whinos have they ever heard of commuting on the Acela from New Jersey every morning my guess is no.

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10:39 AM MST on Wed., Dec. 12, 2007 re: "Hale keeps his focus on achieving success"

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Ed Hale is a real inspiration. He's the perfect model of the American dream. LL Detroit

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12:06 PM MST on Fri., Aug. 24, 2007 re: "Harford County fighting the battle of Fort Monmouth"

Examiner Reader said:
fort monmouth should close down! it's a waste of tax payers money. (civilian employee's have 2 hour lunch breaks, there is so much infidelity going on there, sex in parking lot, etc) The come and go as they please, and we the tax payers pay for this. Put the money where it is needed, in defense!

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