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OCTOBER 2024 - TOURISM NEWS & NOTES

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Envisioning the Future of AI in Flight Search


Technology and AI have revolutionized countless facets of the airline business over the past few years, including back-end operations, revenue management, and customer service. However, for the last several decades, flight search has largely remained the same. As airlines and travel sellers seek solutions to customers’ flight-search frustrations, data fragmentation is a central issue. According to Jason Song, founder and president of PKFARE, today’s search experience is partially limited by existing flight-search algorithms, which underutilize the vast amounts of traveler data available and seldom recommend a tailored result suited to travelers’ individual needs. 


Americans Can Now Renew Passports Online and Bypass Cumbersome Paper Application


WASHINGTON (AP) — Americans can now renew their passports online, bypassing a cumbersome mail-in paper application process that often caused delays.

The State Department announced Wednesday that its online renewal system is now fully operational, after testing in pilot programs, and available to adult passport holders whose passport has expired within the past five years or will expire in the coming year. It is not available for the renewal of children’s passports, for first-time passport applicants for renewal applicants who live outside the United States or for expedited applications.


Many Destinations Are Raising Tourist Taxes, but Are They Accomplishing Their Goal?


“Many cities are recognizing the need for sustainable tourism practices, leading to higher taxes to fund necessary initiatives,” said Anna Abelson, a professor on sustainability and tourism at NYU School of Professional Studies’ Tisch Institute of Hospitality. Here’s everything travelers should know about tourist taxes.


MEETINGS & EVENTS

2024 Economic Development Week in Maryland


Overview - Economic Development Week in Maryland will emphasize the importance of economic development for the State of Maryland. The week is designed to increase understanding of economic development’s contribution to the state’s business climate, job retention and growth, the tax base, and the overall quality of life in Maryland. Recognition -Economic development will take center stage in counties, cities, and towns throughout Maryland when proclamations are made heralding the significant projects that have made Maryland a great place to live, work, and play. Recognizing the dedicated work of economic developers is a primary focus of the effort.

4 Trends Shaping the Future of Wellness in the Meetings and Events Industry


Discussions around wellness in the meetings and events industry have become more prominent in recent years. According to a 2023 report from the Global Wellness Institute, the global wellness market has nearly doubled since 2020, with the global wellness economy expected to be valued at over $7 trillion in 2025It’s no surprise that there’s an ever-growing demand for wellness. A 2023 survey from the American Psychological Association suggests that more adults are experiencing increased stress.  Even though the demand for wellness is likely going to continue to increase, don’t expect the industry to be stagnant.

10 Expert Tips for Planning Events at Theme Parks


Theme parks are some of the most popular attractions for tourists, with places like Walt Disney World attracting more than 58 million visitors each year. But for meeting and event planners who want to capture some of that theme park magic for their next business event, it can sometimes be difficult to know where to start. 

ACCOMMODATIONS

Redefining Hotel Search for Travel’s Experiential Era


Travel search and booking has long been a four-box checklist for the hospitality industry: destination, dates, number of people, and budget. The traveler fills out the basics of a trip, and the supplier — a hotel, an airline, a travel agency — returns what can be pages of options. Anna Jaffe, CEO of Mobi.ai, which supports hospitality businesses with technology across their online touchpoints, says that the standard approach to search leads to missed revenue. In this conversation, Jaffe discusses how AI is changing the search and booking equation for travelers looking for a hotel stay tailored to their individual needs and hospitality providers ready to provide these next-level experiences.

ARTS & CULTURE

October Hispanic Heritage Month Tour


Enjoy a one-hour guided tour of Riversdale House Museum in Spanish as we kick off Hispanic Heritage Month! Join us as we interpret the history of the people who lived and worked on this former plantation, from the construction of the house in 1801 to Emancipation in 1864. Visitors will enjoy a facilitated dialogue with tour guides as they are guided through the rooms of the historic house and dependency building. Visitors are encouraged to arrive at the Visitor Center 5-10 minutes early. Advance registration is encouraged, or you can register the same day. To confirm availability, please call 301-864-0420 or email riversdale@pgparks.com prior to your arrival. Private group tours are available by appointment.

Hispanic Heritage Month Celebración


Join us for a FREE, family-friendly event celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month! The celebración will include an art exhibition of artist Silvia Martínez (Puerto Rico) exhibit “Icons, Idioms and Myth,” live music, dancing, arts & craft activities for children, and light refreshments.


¡Celebración! Mes de la Herencia Hispana

Celebre la cultura y la herencia hispana en este evento familiar GRATIS con una exhibición de arte de la artista Silvia Martínez (Puerto Rico), música en vivo, baile, manualidades para niños y refrigerios.

American Indian Festival 2024


The American Indian Festival is a vibrant celebration of Native American culture, heritage, and traditions, offering diverse Native communities – especially those identifying as Eastern Woodland – a space to honor and share their rich cultural legacy. Open to everyone, the free festival invites attendees to experience the following to foster unity, understanding, and appreciation of local Native American heritage:

Waterfront Art Festival


Join us at Bladensburg Waterfront Park for a day filled with creativity and inspiration. Explore a variety of artworks from talented local artists, ranging from paintings to jewelry, photographs, and everything in between. Immerse yourself in the vibrant art market while enjoying live music and the scenic views of the Anacostia River. Grab tasty food and treats, some beer and wine, or take a relaxing boat tour!

Whether you’re an art enthusiast or just looking for a fun day out, this festival has something for everyone. Don’t miss out on this exciting event!


Historic Hyattsville Public Art Walking Tour


Join the Anacostia Trails Heritage Area on a new walking tour focusing on public artworks in Historic Downtown Hyattsville.

The tour, led by Tantara Person, features a variety of artworks commissioned by nonprofit organizations, private businesses, and local government initiatives. The tour begins at Pyramid Atlantic Art Center, one of the major art centers in The Gateway Arts District. It is home to ATHA’s Heritage Center and serves as an origin point to connect visitors and residents to the cultural, historic, and cultural resources that make Historic Hyattsville and The Gateway Arts District a unique destination to see, play, dine, learn, and to take tons of great selfies!

Newly Expanded Material Things in North Brentwood Doubles Classes Using Clay


North Brentwood arts studio is teaching residents on and around the Route 1 corridor how to build everything from dinnerware to sculptures out of clay. Located at 4531 Rhode Island Ave., Material Things has offered classes for adults on “hand-building,” the techniques for making shapes out of clay without using a throwing wheel, since 2021. But last summer, the art studio expanded into the building next door, moving its classrooms to a new space with natural light and a sunset view and allowing it to double its scheduled number of classes.

ENTERTAINMENT

Diana Ross - Beautiful Love Performances Legacy Tour


Diana Ross is a global icon, renowned as the ultimate entertainer. A trailblazer and leader for generations in music and popular culture, Ms. Ross was born in Detroit's North End neighborhood. She rose to stardom in the 1960s as the leader of The Supremes, becoming one of the most successful groups of the era with hits like "Stop! In the Name of Love," "Why Did Our Love Go," and "Can't Hurry Love" - classics that still endure today. As a solo artist, she continued to shine with iconic hits like "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," "and many more.

Brad Paisley: Son of the Mountains World Tour


Brad Paisley is bringing the Son of the Mountain Tour to The Theater. Hear all the hits from the country music superstar live!

Danny Ocean - Reflexa Tour 2024


Singer-songwriter and producer Danny Ocean continues to be a musical agent of change and leader of a new "future pop" sound. Don't miss the Reflexa Tour 2024 at The Theater at MGM National Harbor!

Steve Martin & Martin Short - The Dukes of Funnytown!


Steve Martin and Martin Short’s “The Dukes of Funnytown!” is a show that redefines the form in unexpected and profound ways, from two of the funniest, most influential and acclaimed talents of the past century. Their humor is often subversive, but it is always a joyous self-deprecating romp from two comedy masters driven to make each other laugh as much as the audience. The jokes come at you at a rapid-fire pace with little set-up and big punch lines as they mock Hollywood and the fickle nature of celebrity, but the comedy truly soars when they lovingly (and relentlessly) roast each other. These two titans of comedy have been touring together since 2015,

Creative Entertainment and the BCPA Present: Whitney Houston “I Will Always Love You”


Talein, the Award-Winning Artist and Former Lead-Vocalist of the Legendary R&B Group Atlantic Starr, will take you on a musical journey of one of the most prolific female vocalists of our time – Ms. Whitney Houston. She was affectionately known as Nippy to her family, but to the world she was “The Voice”. “I Will Always Love You” is infused with your favorite Whitney songs and the movies she was featured in as an actress. So throughout the night we will have Whitney facts. We will share her accomplishments throughout her career as Talein sings her songs in a beautiful artistic tribute with signature songs by Whitney sung Talein style.

Six Flags Fright Fest


This ultimate Fright Fest experience grants you expedited access to our most terrifying haunted attractions – no need to wait as the darkness beckons. Illuminate the night with a hauntingly cool glow item, and recharge with a wickedly delicious snack break. Haunted houses, scare zones, shows, rides in the dark, R.I.P. tours, and more. Purchase tickets and passes.

FOOD & DRINK

Black Women Winemakers are Breaking Tough Ground in Maryland


LANDOVER, Md.– Cyndi Campbell and her sister, Dalia Chambers, are working hard these days. Winemaking is laborious, weather dependent and replete with regulations, and it costs a pretty penny to start up. 


But the two winery owners have got some help – other Black women owners who are also making headway in a tough industry. It’s an informal network where the women encourage and serve as a resource for each other. 




Black-Owned Business in Prince George’s County Offers Dairy Free Frozen Treats


HYATTSVILLE, MD (DC News Now) — A Black entrepreneur in Hyattsville is re-envisioning the classic ice cream.

Rhett Butler wants to use organic ingredients to create plant-based frozen desserts for people with dairy allergies.

“It makes me feel great being a Black entrepreneur sending my products into the community because I am doing this for us because at the end of the day, we have to make sure what we are doing for the community is to take care of each other and what our product does is solve the problems of those who are afflicted,” Butler said.


A Top Chef Brings Minimalist Japanese Ice Cream to Maryland


Tired of seeing the same boring ice cream packaging and flavors in grocery stores and ice cream shops around the DMV, high-profile chef Takeshi Nishikawa plans to shake up the local dessert scene with the opening of a minimalist Japanese ice cream shop next spring. At his newly announced venture called Snow Crane, he incorporates popular flavors from his native Japan into cool treats for “adventurous eaters.” Ingredients go well beyond matcha to include tofu, kinako (roasted soy bean flour), Okinawan black sugar, and hojicha (roasted green tea). Nishikawa hopes to open his future shop in Hyattsville specifically,.

SPORTS & RECREATION

Washington International Horse Show


October 21-October 27, 2024


Founded in 1958, the Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) is one of the most prestigious, competitive and exciting equestrian sporting events in North America. WIHS is an FEI World Cup Qualifier and carries the top CSI5* rating.

Held annually in October, WIHS brings together the finest and most talented horses and riders from across the country and around the world for seven days of top jumper, hunter and equitation competition, equestrian entertainment, and community and charity events. 

Cities of the Big Ten Top 10


September 2-December 23, 2024


Nearly 130 years after its inception, the Big Ten remains a national leader in intercollegiate athletics on and off the field. The Cities of the Big Ten host hundreds of athletic events throughout the year and are proud to extend the ultimate in hospitality to the enthusiastic followers of our teams. Utilize this website to plan your next visit.

2024 Washington Commanders vs

Carolina Panthers


The Commanders are set to take on the Carolina Panthers!

This season, the Commanders will retire the No. 28 jersey of longtime Washington cornerback Darrell Green, a seven-time Pro Bowler, four-time All-Pro, member of the Commanders Ring of Fame, 1996 Walter Payton Man of the Year and Pro Football Hall of Famer. According to a team press release, Green will join Sonny Jurgensen (No. 9), Bobby Mitchell (No. 49), Sammy Baugh (No. 33) and Sean Taylor (No. 21) as the only Washington players to have their jersey numbers retired. 

The ceremony will be held on Sunday, Oct. 7 at halftime of the team's Week 7 game against the Carolina Panthers.


Marine Corps Marathon


Recognized for impeccable organization on an iconic course managed by the US Marines in Arlington, VA and the nation’s capital, the Marine Corps Marathon is one of the largest marathons in the US and the world. Known as ‘the best marathon for beginners,’ the MCM is the largest marathon in the world that doesn’t offer prize money, earning its nickname, “The People’s Marathon




2024 Women Terp Field Hockey Big Ten Championship


8483 Paint Branch Dr,

College Park, MD 20742

Dates: 11/7/2024, 11/8/2024, 11/9/2024, 11/10/2024

Location: Field Hockey and Lacrosse Complex

2024-25 Women's Terp vs Coppin State (Basketball)


8500 Paint Branch Drive

College Park, Maryland, MD 20742

Dates: November 7, 2024

Location: Xfinity Center - University of Maryland




2024-25 Bowie State Men's Bulldogs vs Clarion University of Pennsylvania


14000 Jericho Park Road

Bowie, MD 20715

Dates: November 8, 2024

Location: A.C. Jordan Arena - Bowie State University

Time: 7:00 PM


COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

A Traditional Pumpkin Patch and a Family Tradition


October 4th - October 27th

Our countryside is absolutely radiant in the fall, and we've created lots of wonderful places for you to create your own priceless photographs. Pumpkins of every size and color are all around, as are dazzling mums. Young children race from pumpkin to pumpkin through the pumpkin patch, while the parents and older siblings often move slowly from one pumpkin to the next, imagining the carving for each individual jack-o-lantern. Whatever your approach, our pumpkin patch lets you enjoy nature at its finest while you explore seven varieties of the big orange pumpkins, as well as six different varieties of heirloom pumpkins.

Harvest Festival


Join Riversdale House Museum for a day full of fun activities that your whole family will enjoy and make sure you peak inside the dependency and see what the Riversdale Kitchen Guild is cooking up!

Tanger National Harbor Small Business Market


October 12th & November 16th

Join Mema’s Popups & Events for their monthly Small Business Vendor Markets happening May through November in the parking lot across from the Food Truck Plaza. Don't miss out on the chance to discover unique products from local businesses and support your community! Plus, there will be a live DJ spinning awesome tunes and exciting free raffles at 12 PM and 2 PM during each event.



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#BowieSpeaks Community Conversations


The Bowie Diversity Committee is hosting the next #BowieSpeaks community conversation on Tuesday, October 15, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at City Hall. In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the discussion will center on the theme, “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together.” This event offers residents a platform to engage in open dialogue, share diverse perspectives, and discuss issues important to the Bowie community. Attendees will also have the opportunity to honor the contributions of Hispanic and Latine leaders who have significantly influenced American history and continue to inspire future generations. Refreshments will be served. For more information, please contact by email.

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National Harbor will Hold Community Day on Sunday, October 13


October 13 from noon to 4 p.m. 


The event will feature a fun lineup of food, games, community displays, local health organizations, a charity drive, sidewalk sale and interactive games and activities. “We wanted to provide the community with a great event that everyone can come out and enjoy,” said Deborah Topcik, director of marketing at National Harbor. “This is a chance to try many of our restaurants, visit our retailers for discounts, meet and greet some of our community partners and give back to a very worthwhile cause.” Taste of National Harbor will allow attendees to embark on a culinary journey starting at the National Harbor table on the Plaza (150 National Plaza) where attendees can pick up a passport (while supplies last) and then head to the many participating restaurants to sample delicious bites. Participating restaurants and eateries include BurgerFi, Brother Jimmy’s, Cadillac Ranch, Public House, Redstone American Grill, Succotash, The Walrus Oyster & Ale House, Bombay Street Food, Fogo de Chao, Mezeh Mediterranean Grill, Rosa Mexicano and Silver Diner.  

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