Delegate Rudolph Appointed to Maryland Tourism Development Board
Delegate David Rudolph has been appointed to the Maryland Tourism Development Board by Speaker Michael Busch of the Maryland House of Delegates. This influential group of public and private sector appointees helps promote an $11 billion hospitality and travel industry through marketing Maryland as a premiere destination for travelers. Studies show that every dollar spent on self-marketing returns an estimated $28 in visitor spending, making tourism a powerful economic engine.
“Tourism is an investment employing thousands of people, and is a major revenue source for our local businesses, restaurants and hotels and I look forward in helping to influence the envisioned funding policies and marketing strategies…responsibilities vested with the Maryland Tourism Development Board within Maryland’s Department of Business and Economic Development” noted Delegate Rudolph.
“Maryland is known as ‘America in Miniature’ with unsurpassed natural, cultural and historical amenities waiting to be discovered, especially here in Cecil County” said Delegate Rudolph. “Prevailing economic conditions, coupled with competition from neighboring states call for an innovative plan to strengthen Maryland’s standing as a destination for travelers. I am pleased to have to opportunity to help shape a 21st Century strategy that increases revenues to our State and Cecil County and welcome directional input from the citizens and local businesses of Cecil County.”
Deb Carter, Past Chair of the Maryland Tourism Council, when learning of Delegate Rudolph’s appointment stated, “I am delighted that Delegate Rudolph has been appointed to the Maryland Tourism Development Board. I can think of no one more qualified to sit on the Tourism Development Board than Delegate David Rudolph. David understands the tremendous importance of tourism as an economic driver in the State of Maryland and will do an excellent job.”
According to the latest Tourism Development Annual Report, tourism is the eighth largest private sector employer in the state, supporting 146,228 direct full-time equivalency jobs in 2008 in leisure and hospitality, retail, transportation, and other service sectors. Tourism related jobs provided $4 billion in wages and salaries in 2008. The 24-Member Tourism Development Board is composed of Gubernatorial-appointed individuals representing lodging, retail, transportation, food service and attractions, and six Members of Maryland’s General Assembly – 3 Delegates appointed by the House Speaker and 3 Senators appointed by the Senate President.
