Montgomery County proclaims National Travel and Tourism Week, highlights tourism’s $2.2 billion impact

Montgomery County Council President Natalie Fanny Gonzalez presented a proclamation recognizing National Travel and Tourism Week and invited tourism leaders to the dais to highlight the sector’s role in the county’s economy.

"Tourism is more than travel. It is a source of culture, community, and connection," Gonzalez said in opening remarks, calling attention to upcoming events including Taste of Wheaton and the county’s restaurant week.

Keri Groff, president and CEO of VISTA Montgomery, said the county’s tourism sector drives large-scale economic activity. "The tourism industry is a $2,000,000,000 industry for Montgomery County. We welcome 9,000,000 visitors a year," Groff told the council, and she described the organization’s recently completed strategic plan to expand group, sports and leisure travel.

Groff and other hospitality leaders — including representatives from the Maryland SoccerPlex and Bethesda North Marriott — described how events and conventions support local restaurants, hotels and attractions. The council acknowledged the group’s work and the revenue tourism brings to the county.

Separately during the meeting the Economic Development Committee’s recommendation on the conference and visitors bureau non‑departmental account was presented and the council approved the item, with members noting the bureau’s role in generating hotel room nights and local spending.

The proclamation and committee approval come as the council works through the FY27 budget and considers inflationary adjustments and reconciliation items; councilmembers said they would continue to weigh tourism funding alongside other priorities in the operating budget process.

The council moved on to other agenda items after the presentation and a ceremonial photo opportunity.