Visit Howard County requests full tourism CSP funding, highlights Welcome Center renovation and economic impact

Amanda Hoff, executive director of Visit Howard County, asked the Howard County Council to fully fund the county executive's FY2026 Community Service Partnership allocation for the Howard County Tourism Council and described plans for the Howard County Welcome Center.

Hoff said the Welcome Center, located at 8267 Main Street in Ellicott City's historic district, is undergoing renovation to restore the historic post office building; she said new exhibits would honor county history and that the renovation is expected to be complete in June with a ribbon-cutting to follow. Hoff said Visit Howard County represents more than 400 tourism-related businesses and organizations in the county and that tourism generates economic benefits to hotels, restaurants, retail outlets and cultural attractions.

Citing a tourism economics study for Maryland, Hoff said that tourism spending in Howard County reached $790,000,000 in 2023 and that, according to the study, every $1 invested in tourism promotion returns $34 in visitor spending and saves the average Maryland household $10.27 in annual taxes. She asked the council to fund the recommended CSP allocation so the organization can continue marketing and business-support work.

Council members asked Hoff for statistics on restaurants and local business listings; Hoff said she would follow up by email and described partnerships with the Economic Development Authority and the county business directory for more comprehensive business listings.

Hoff's remarks were delivered during the council's FY2026 executive proposed budget public hearing.