Visitor spending generated $4.3 billion in economic impact and accounted for more than 20 percent of Maryland’s total tourism economic impact, reinforcing tourism’s role as a key driver of growth in Anne Arundel County
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Images of Annapolis MD in autumn
ANNAPOLIS, MD – The 2024 Tourism Economic Impact Report has been released, revealing that Anne Arundel County welcomed more than 7.2 million visitors last year and generated an impressive $4.3 billion in economic impact. This annual report, published by Tourism Economics, highlights tourism’s vital role in driving local prosperity—supporting over 27,000 jobs, fueling small businesses, and contributing over $860 million in federal, state, and local tax revenues. Notably, Anne Arundel County accounted for more than 20 percent of Maryland’s total tourism economic impact, reinforcing its position as a cornerstone of the state’s visitor economy. With 2024 marking a record year for visitor volume, spending, and job support, the report highlights the continued strength and significance of tourism in shaping the region’s economic landscape.
“Tourism is not just a driver of economic growth; it’s a cornerstone of community vitality,” said Kristen Pironis, CEO of Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County. “The dollars spent by visitors ripple through every corner of our economy, supporting local jobs, small businesses, and public services. From the historic streets of Annapolis to the scenic shores of the Chesapeake, our region offers experiences that attract millions and contribute significantly to the prosperity of Maryland as a whole. After several challenging years, these numbers reflect a strong rebound for our destination—one that reminds us of tourism’s resilience and potential. While we remain mindful of the evolving landscape, we’re encouraged by this momentum and committed to sustaining thoughtful, long-term economic impact.”
Key Findings from the 2024 Report:
• 7.2 million visitors came to Anne Arundel County in 2024, a 4.7 percent increase over the previous year.
• Visitors spent $4.3 billion, up 5.6 percent from 2023.
• Tourism supported 27,258 jobs, representing 10 percent of all employment in the county.
• Visitor spending generated $863.3 million in tax revenue, including $460.4 million in state and local taxes. Spending breakdown:
- Transportation: $2.48 billion (57 percent)
- Food & Beverage: $625.6 million (14 percent)
- Lodging: $480 million (11 percent)
- Recreation: $430.1 million (10 percent)
- Retail: $335.6 million (8 percent)
Tourism supported more than 27,000 jobs in Anne Arundel County in 2024, including over 19,000 direct jobs in sectors like lodging, restaurants, retail, and entertainment. While these numbers reflect strong recovery and growth, they remain below pre-pandemic levels—down from 21,974 direct jobs and 31,463 total jobs in 2019—highlighting the continued need for targeted workforce investment. The Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County Foundation (VAAACF), launched in 2023 as the nonprofit charitable arm of Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County, is helping address this gap through strategic workforce development initiatives. By offering scholarships, training programs, and career pathways in hospitality, culinary arts, marketing, and event production, the Foundation is building a more resilient, inclusive pipeline of local talent. In recognition of National Workforce Development Month, these efforts reflect a long-term commitment to supporting the people behind the visitor experience—and to ensuring that tourism remains a vital, sustainable economic engine for the region and state.
About Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County: Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County (VAAAC) is a nonprofit, partnership-focused destination marketing and management organization dedicated to fostering a welcoming destination and promoting tourism for visitors, partners, and the community. The tourism and hospitality industry in Annapolis and Anne Arundel County significantly impacts Maryland's economy. In 2024, visitor spending injected $4.3 billion into the state economy, attracting more than 7.2 million visitors, and sustaining more than 27,000 jobs (both directly and indirectly), according to the 2024 Economic Impact of Tourism in Maryland Report. For more information, please visit www.VAAAC.org.
