Dear Tourism Partner,

COVID-19 has disrupted our lives and made ordinary activities difficult...or even impossible. It is critically important that we heed the advice of the Governor and health officials...and that we be mindful of interactions with the vulnerable people among us.

But there are still MANY ways that businesses and individuals can work together and help each other during this difficult time. Donating food or supplies, giving blood, and helping deliver meals are just some of the ways we can pitch in. Visit governor.maryland.gov/marylandunites to find out more.

And don’t be afraid to treat yourself: Why not call one of the many restaurants that are offering carry-out or delivery? Grabbing that meal or having dinner delivered will help your favorite restaurant weather this storm.

These are hard times for Maryland, and we’re all being asked to make sacrifices to help flatten the curve, slow the spread of the virus, and protect our healthcare workers. But Marylanders are resilient. We will get through this...and we’ll get through it together.

Kelly M. Schulz
Maryland Commerce Secretary

For an audio file of this message, please click here.

  
     
 
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Remembering Donna Abbott

New Virtual Experiences Pages on VisitMaryland.org

Thank You for Your Responses

Restaurants are Still Open for Pickup & Delivery

IN THE NEWS
 
 
Remembering Donna Abbott
 
The Maryland tourism community mourns the passing of Donna Abbott on April 1. Donna was an icon in the tourism industry of Maryland, and was the longtime Director of Tourism for Ocean City. She grew up in Cambridge, and had a career as a journalist and media relations manager before taking the Tourism Director role in Ocean City, a town where she raised a family, and that she truly loved.

Donna was a warm, funny and vibrant presence as well as a tireless and eloquent advocate for Ocean City and for tourism. For those fortunate enough to have known and worked with her and for all those who never met her but who have benefitted from her work and dedication, she will be very much remembered and missed.
 
 
 
 
New Virtual Experiences Pages on VisitMaryland.org
 
 
   
Given the ongoing public health crisis, most visitors may be cancelling or rescheduling upcoming travel plans and staying home. While people are sheltering-in-place and practicing social distancing, many museums, historic sites and other tourism destinations are offering virtual options for visitors to explore and learn at home. OTD has put together a lively collection of these on our new Virtual Experiences page. In addition, the Maryland Film Office has added a fun new “Filmed in Maryland” feature to its website. Why not spend some of your time at home watching a production that was shot in Maryland, and learn some fun Maryland film trivia while you’re at it?
 
 
 
Thank You for Your Responses
 
 
   
Thank you to all who took the time to respond to our survey regarding how businesses are being affected during the current pandemic. The responses will allow us to better respond to the needs of our tourism partners during and after the Covid-19 crisis. Follow this link for the summary of results. And remember, OTD and the Maryland Department of Commerce have put together this business resource page as we work together to weather this storm.
 
 
 
Restaurants are Still Open for Pickup & Delivery
 
 
   
Following state and federal guidelines, restaurants are still open for curbside pickup and delivery. There’s a national push for “#TakeoutTuesdays” and “#CarryOutWednesdays” to support our colleagues in the restaurant industry while treating yourself to a bit of normalcy, but don’t wait a week. Every day is a great day for takeout. For a list of Maryland eateries still providing delicious bright spots in these trying times, follow this link to VisitMaryland.org’s restaurant carry-out and delivery page.
 
 
 
 
 
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