Local hoteliers, tour operators and destination marketers joined the Maryland Office of Tourism Development (OTD) to represent Maryland at the U.S. Travel Association’s International Pow-Wow (IPW) in Orlando, FL this week. IPW is the premier industry marketplace and the largest generator of inbound travel to the U.S. More than 1,300 international and domestic buyers attend.

OTD and its partners met with travel writers from around the world and held scheduled meetings with 142 buyers including group tour organizers and industry decision makers with access to millions of travelers from more than 70 countries. “IPW is an unparalleled opportunity for us to join with our private partners and get the Maryland message to a global travel market and it’s a message that resonates,” said Rich Gilbert, travel sales manager, Maryland Office of Tourism. “We have rich history, amazing outdoor opportunities, unique culinary treasures, mountains, big cities, the Chesapeake Bay and we are open for business.”

Pictured above from left to right: back row: Eric Masterton (Visit Baltimore), Marci Ross (Maryland Office of Tourism), Bethany Manimbo (Visit Montgomery County), Leslie Troy (Maryland Office of Tourism), Rich Gilbert (Maryland Office of Tourism); front row: Monee Cottman (Visit Baltimore), Audrey Vargason (Hagerstown-Washington CVB), Becky Bickerton (Visit Frederick), Kelly Groff (Visit Montgomery County), Kelly Drnec (Days Inn Inner Harbor Hotel), Mike Rosa (Days Inn Inner Harbor Hotel)

Maryland’s domestic travel numbers grew 5.8 percent in 2014 as the state welcomed 38.2 million visitors according to the latest national survey. The survey, conducted by leading tourism industry research firm D.K. Shifflet and Associates, shows growth in leisure travel, day trips and overnights.

"Maryland’s increase in overnight visitors is a true success measurement of OTD’s strategic regional promotional efforts," said Bill Pencek, acting assistant secretary, Maryland Division of Tourism, Film and the Arts. “We look forward to building on our strengths through continued partnerships with county destination marketing organizations and the private sector.”

This strong growth continues a trend that has seen Maryland welcome 11 million more visitors in 2014 than in 2007, a growth of 40.5 percent, which outpaces the performance of all other mid-Atlantic states and is well above the national growth of 25.7 percent.

“Our state’s tourism industry is a powerful economic engine,” said Mike Gill, secretary, Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development. “Tourism is a major generator of jobs, employing more than 138,500 Marylanders. The impact of visitors proves that our investments in visitor experiences and tourism marketing provide valuable returns to tourism communities across the state from Oakland to Ocean City.”

The Maryland Traditions Folklife Festival, Maryland’s leading celebration of traditional arts, will take place on Saturday, June 13 in Baltimore. The festival is rooted in Maryland traditions including screen painting and decoy carving as well as global traditions like Congolese Rumba, Chinese Calligraphy and Piñata making and offers a cornucopia of traditional Maryland food and beverages along with foods from around the world.

The Fifth Annual Maryland Traditions Folklife Festival is presented by the Folklife Program of the Maryland State Arts Council, in partnership with the National Council for Traditional Arts and the Creative Alliance, with additional funding from the National Endowment for the Arts.

On May 15, Governor Hogan signed a bill making Maryland a 365-day fishing license state. The law, designed to lure anglers to Maryland by tying recreational fishing licenses to the date of purchase, gives fisherman a full 365 days to enjoy Maryland fisheries. In the past, licenses were based on the calendar year, discouraging some anglers from purchasing annual licenses late in the season.

David Sikorski, vice chairman, Sport Fishing Advisory Commission, believes the move is quite a catch for the industry, saying, “This is a win for the recreational fishing community. Maryland now joins a handful of states leading the movement to offer the increased value and flexibility of a 365-day license.” Advocates believe the new law will mean more days on the water for sports fisherman which translates to economic benefits throughout the tourism industry.

As summer begins to heat up, the Maryland Office of Tourism is putting the spotlight on ways to cool down and spend time with the family this season. From ice cream to festivals, from museums to special events, Maryland offers many opportunities for family-friendly adventures.

“Summer may not officially begin until June 21, but Maryland starts celebrating the season early with festivals, concerts and events that are fun for all ages,” said Bill Pencek, acting assistant secretary, Maryland Division of Tourism, Film and the Arts. “As summer vacations begin, families can spend time together discovering the best of Maryland—its flavors, its music, its history and more.”

For more summer fun in the Maryland sun, check out Maryland Spotlight.

Each week, the Maryland Minute provides highlights and insights on this weekend’s events around the state. Maryland Minute is featured on CBS radio stations in Baltimore and Washington, D.C. and on Baltimore’s WBAL-AM 1090.