In Worcester, 56% Of Jobs Linked To Tourism; Report Confirms Industry’s Strength

BERLIN – A recent report proves that tourism continues to be a growing industry in Worcester County.

According to the Economic Impact of Tourism in Maryland report, the industry generated $1.5 billion in visitor spending and $301 million in tax revenues for 2013.

“It did not surprise us,” said Lisa Challenger, Worcester County’s director of tourism. “We knew it was a good summer.”

Challenger says that as it has for years, tourism — which accounts for 56 percent of all employment in Worcester County — remains a vital part of the local economy. The latest findings show that jobs directly related to the tourism industry jumped from 9,812 in 2012 to 10,132 in 2013. Jobs indirectly linked to tourism increased from 12,965 to 13,408 in that same time period.

“It’s a huge industry,” Challenger said.

Susan Jones, director of the Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association, agreed.

“I am delighted to see the growth in tourism,” she said. “There is a real trickle-down effect within the industry so tourism benefits the entire region.”

Challenger said that although her department tracked tourism figures throughout the year, the annual statistics in the state’s report validated the industry’s importance in Worcester County. Between 2012 and 2013, visitor spending increased from $1.4 billion to $1.5 billion while tax revenues rose from $284.1 million to $301 million. According to the report, every dollar invested in tourism returned $177 in visitor spending.

“Tourism has been and continues to be a powerful economic engine for the county,” Challenger said. “We’ve developed strong partnerships with each of the towns and our national and state parks, and all of us working together means more success for everyone.”

As the county’s budget development process begins, Challenger — whose department budget hovers around $1 million — says she knows funding will be tight. She’s confident though, that county leaders will remain supportive of her department’s efforts.

“In Worcester County, we get tourism,” she said.

Challenger went on to say possibilities currently being investigated in Worcester County, such as the excursion railroad and the ice hockey facility discussed this week, would only help bring people to the area.

“Not everything can be built in Ocean City,” she said.