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The Tourism
Business Bulletin
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As spring sports kick off this month, we’re reminded that youth sports tourism remains our largest tourism driver, with thousands of athletes and families visiting our community. Let’s continue to show them the warmth and hospitality Harford County is known for by recognizing teams and welcoming them when you see them around town. Share your favorite places to dine, or where to grab a sweet treat, or shop local; because the more visitors explore, the more our cash registers will ring and the more buzz our county will get for future travelers.
Thank you for all you do to support tourism and create memorable experiences for our visitors. Together, we continue to make Harford County a destination worth returning to.
See you soon!
| | FY27 Tourism Funding Program Open | | Harford County’s tourism grant applications are now live for the fiscal year 2027 that begins in July. Eligible nonprofits are encouraged to visit the county website for full details including workshops for new and returning applicants. The application deadline is May 8, 2026. | | | |
Pro-tip of the Month
Free Expert Advice
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Harford County Economic Development’s LevelUp series offers free training designed to help businesses thrive. Join us on March 12th for Marketing that Moves the Needle to learn practical marketing strategies for growing your business. Learn more and register by clicking here.
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Venue Spotlight
Log Cabin Chocolates
For more than 100 years, Log Cabin Chocolates has delighted customers with homemade chocolates, truffles, and sweet treats crafted with care. This women-owned and operated business in Fallston continues a proud tradition of quality confections and friendly, welcoming service. With its delicious offerings and longstanding place in our community, Log Cabin Candies remains a sweet destination for residents and visitors alike. For more information, visit Log Cabin Chocolates
Does your business have an update to share for a future edition?
Send us an email!
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Collaboration Corner
Tourism Advocacy
| | In February, a group of Harford County tourism stakeholders joined us in Annapolis for Maryland Tourism Day, meeting with legislators to share the importance of supporting tourism initiatives locally and statewide. It was a valuable opportunity to highlight how tourism directly impacts our economy and why continued investment matters. | | | |
Tourism is often the front door and catalyst for Maryland’s broader economic growth cycle. In fact, 45.8 million visitors traveled to Maryland in 2025 generating $21.2 billion in visitor spending. Research also shows that visitor spending begins reaching Maryland cash registers just 60–90 days after advertising placement—demonstrating a strong and timely return on investment. We were proud to have strong representatives from Harford County advocating for our industry and the businesses it supports.
Want to see the numbers behind tourism’s impact? Check out the fact sheet at the bottom of this newsletter.
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Reminder: Sign Up for Greater Exposure
Whether March brings a welcome break in the weather or a few lingering winter days, there are still plenty of reasons to get out and enjoy Harford County. From the Chocolate, Brew & Wine Tour in Bel Air to award-winning performances at HCC Live and The STAR Centre, plus winter farmers markets still in full swing, there’s no shortage of ways to experience the county this month. Hotel partners share the calendar with their guests, and we encourage you to do the same. When travelers know what’s happening, they explore more, stay longer, spend more, and leave with unforgettable memories. (Check out our calendar of events below)
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Future-Focus
Spring Marketing
Our newly designed tourism brochures are being distributed throughout the county, providing updated, fresh materials to help inspire visitors and showcase all that Harford County has to offer. Let us know if you’d like a supply. Our new spring marketing campaign is also set to launch soon, strategically targeting audiences outside of Maryland to drive new visitors into the county. While much of this advertising takes place beyond our immediate area, its goal is to bring more travelers through your doors this season. As always, we continue working closely with our tourism stakeholders to identify the best ways to support your business and serve as an extension of your marketing efforts.
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Fun Fact
Washington, DC, Philadelphia, and New York remain our largest visitor markets, and targeted advertising helped drive a 2% increase from those regions last year.*
Takeaway: Expanding these markets directly supports local hotels, restaurants, shops, and attractions.
*Data per Placer.ai
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Have something coming up? | | | | |
Help visitors find you–get listed! | | |
| Harford County Government - Hello Harford220 S Main St, 2nd Floor, Dept of Economic Development Bel Air, MD 21014 US |
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