A message from the Visit St. Mary’s MD Team
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Welcome to the first Visit St. Mary’s MD (VSMMD) industry newsletter, a bimonthly communication dedicated to the latest visitor trends, industry resources and updates from the organization and its partners.
If you are part of the tourism and hospitality industry, we consider you a member of VSMMD. As a 501(c)(6) organization, we are committed to providing resources and marketing opportunities that support and advance our partners’ goals.
We welcome your input - if you have content ideas or suggestions, please share them at info@visitstmarysmd.com.
Best,
Liz, Cat, and Alyssa
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National Travel and Tourism Week:
May 3-9, 2026
National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW) is the U.S. travel industry’s annual tradition of recognizing the essential role travel plays in powering our economy, strengthening communities, and connecting America.
In 2026, the theme "Postmarked: Essential" highlights a simple truth: travel is not optional. Tourism creates jobs, brings in revenue to the local economy, and enhances the quality of life for citizens throughout Southern Maryland. In 2024, St. Mary's County welcomed nearly one million visitors, spending $247 million (or an average of $676,986 per day). Tourism accounts for nearly 2,264 visitor-supported positions, representing 4.5% of all jobs in St. Mary's County.
In addition, residents play a role in tourism, contributing to a sense of place and community pride. Their everyday interactions with visitors can significantly influence traveler spending, foster repeat visitation, and strengthen the local economy by creating a welcoming and hospitable environment.
Join us for the annual reading of the NTTW proclamation
Members of the St. Mary's tourism and hospitality community are invited and encouraged to attend the Commissioners of St. Mary's County (CSMC) business meeting on May 5, 2026 (9am) for the presentation of the National Travel and Tourism Week Proclamation. Location: CSMC Meeting Room on the 1st floor of the Chesapeake Building, located at 41770 Baldridge Street in Leonardtown.
You and your organizations are key to the success of the tourism economy of St. Mary's County and this proclamation provides the opportunity to shine a light on our incredible industry.
If you would like to attend, email Liz Mildenstein by April 29.
| | Marketing & Funding Resources | | Start Planning Your Fiscal Year 2027 Marketing & Sponsorship Program Applications | |
The Marketing and Sponsorship Program supports event planners, entrepreneurs, promoters and other tourism partners by providing financial and marketing resources.
In FY26, VSMMD provided resources to 17 events across the county, ranging in size and location. Events beginning on or after July 1, 2026, are eligible for direct and indirect funding from VSMMD as part of the FY27 program.
Funding provided by VSMMD is designed to enhance your event and encourage additional overnight visitors to the county. Applying early supports more marketing options and resources ahead of the event.
Learn more and apply here: Hosting an event in St. Mary's County? Start here. | St. Marys County MD Tourism
| |  | O’ Say Can You See Spring Deals? Call for Maryland 250 Deals & Packages! | |
Tourism industry businesses are invited to publicize their deals, packages and events - FOR FREE - on VisitMaryland.org.
The Maryland Office of Tourism Development’s (OTD) spring/summer campaign targets the state’s overnight travel markets through interactive advertisements and social media promotions, linking back to VisitMaryland.org. The site encourages visitors to experience Maryland’s destinations and events tied to America’s 250th while staying multiple nights in local hotels.
Partners are encouraged to create deals and hotel/dining/retail packages. Once submitted, these packages will be featured on Visit Maryland's website, on the Deals & Discounts page and directly to subscribers of the 'Visit Maryland Now' consumer newsletter.
For sample ideas and links to upload your offers into OTD’s self-entry database, click here.
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FY27 African American Heritage Preservation Program Grant Now Accepting Applications | |
Administered as a partnership between the Maryland Historical Trust (MHT) and the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture (MCAAHC), this program provides grants to assist with the preservation of buildings, sites, or communities of historical and cultural importance to the African-American experience in Maryland. MHT and MCAAHC staff are offering workshops and webinars to explain the application process, eligibility requirements, selection criteria, deadlines, and more! To learn more about the grant program or to apply click here.
The deadline to apply is July 1, 2026.
| | | | Training & Professional Development | |
New! Southern Maryland Tourism Marketing Series
Date: May 18th from 12:00-1:30 pm
Location: Serenity Farm (6932 Serenity Farm Rd, Benedict, MD 20612)
Topic: Maximizing Social Media for Your Business
Join VSMMD, Visit Calvert County and Explore Charles County, in-person or online, for the inaugural SOMD Tourism Marketing Series event!
Located at the historic Serenity Farm in Charles County, hear from tourism marketing experts to learn how to get the most out of your social media efforts. Alyssa Reeves from VSMMD and Grace Fadely from Visit Calvert County will explain why social media marketing is critical for your business, showcase best practices for content strategy, and provide external resources.
Register at: https://www.visitstmarysmd.com/smtms/
More about the program: The Southern Maryland Tourism Marketing Series connects tourism and hospitality businesses (and their marketers) in Southern Maryland through workshops/sessions and networking.
The goal of this program is to connect businesses, organizations, and freelancers through lectures by tourism marketers and networking opportunities. Tourism professionals, fellow small business owners, and other marketing speakers, will focus on best practices for marketing ranging from social media, paid advertising, events, influencers, and more.
In-person session locations will alternate between Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary's counties. Each lecture will be streamed and recorded as well.
| | | | Apply for the FREE Tourism Ambassador Program | |
The application period for cohort #1 is open - now through May 1, 2026!
The St. Mary's County Tourism Ambassador Program (SMCTAP) is designed to educate, inspire, and empower members of the tourism and hospitality community ahead of customer interactions. Through these interactions, ambassadors will enhance a visitor’s experience - these interactions lead to increased spending, improved satisfaction, and a higher rate of return trips.
In addition, participants build strong partnerships with leaders throughout the county's attractions, restaurants, historically significant sites, and lodging options.
Through a series of familiarization tours and self-paced activities, participants will learn about the various visitor resources and opportunities available by experiencing it all for themselves.
The program is free and a great workforce development program for all members of the hospitality industry.
Learn more and apply here: For Interested Applicants | St. Marys County MD Tourism
Application deadline: May 1, 2026
| | | Register for FlightPath SMC's Small Business 101 Training | |
Date: May 7th, 2026 from 3-5pm
Location: Techport (in AeroPark at 44185 Airport Rd, California, MD 20619)
Register
Join the St. Mary's County Department of Economic Development for a hands-on training session focused on small business and entrepreneurship. Figure out the best classification for your business, the fundamentals of a strong business plan, and the core differences between entrepreneurship and small business ownership.
Training led by Dr. Frank Clinton, Business Consultant at the Small Business Development Center
Optional networking after the training: Meet with fellow entrepreneurs and small business owners at Tap House 1637 in Hollywood, MD.
For more information on Flight Path, contact Emily Lacey: emily.lacey@stmaryscountymd.gov
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Meet Bailey Casselman, Chair of the Visit St. Mary's MD Board of Directors
My name is Bailey Casselman, and as a Southern Maryland native and mom, I’ve always been rooted in community and connection. I love sharing what makes our area special and being part of an industry that helps others experience it in a meaningful way.
I am the Area Director of Sales for Fairfield by Marriott, TownePlace Suites by Marriott, and Home2 Suites by Hilton in Lexington Park, Maryland, near NAS Patuxent River. In my role, I work closely with corporate and government partners, local organizations, and true tourists, like wedding guests and sports players to provide tailored lodging solutions while promoting our area as a welcoming and convenient destination.
I’m passionate about hospitality because it brings people together. Whether it’s supporting business travelers, welcoming families, or helping create memorable experiences for weddings and events, I love being part of something that makes people feel comfortable, valued, and taken care of. Tourism plays a vital role in supporting local economies, and I’m proud to contribute to showcasing everything our community has to offer.
I joined the board because I believe in the power of collaboration and community. Being part of Visit St. Mary’s allows me to work alongside other local leaders to promote tourism, support local businesses, and strengthen our region’s visibility. I’m excited to contribute ideas, build partnerships, and help drive continued growth in our area.
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Meet Susan and Mike Sokoloff, Owners of Devil’s Den, LLC
Susan and Mike are the owners of Devil’s Den, an escape room experience located in Mechanicsville, MD. Their space is designed to excite thrill-seekers, puzzle enthusiasts, and anyone who loves a good challenge. The four escape rooms are perfect for groups of friends, families, and colleagues who are looking for an exciting and unforgettable experience. It’s a great way to bond, build teamwork skills, and have a blast while doing it.
A quick note from Susan and Mike:
Marketing to tourists is incredibly important to Devil’s Den Escape Rooms because it allows us to reach visitors who are looking for unique, memorable experiences while they’re in the area. Our escape rooms offer an interactive form of entertainment that complements St. Mary’s County’s dining, shopping, and outdoor attractions, making us a great addition to any visitor’s itinerary.
We’re excited to collaborate with other local businesses by creating cross-promotions and shared marketing efforts that encourage visitors to extend their stay and explore more of what St. Mary’s County has to offer. By working together, we can enhance the overall visitor experience and help drive more traffic to all of our local businesses.
Learn more or book here: Home | Devils Den Escape: Unlock the Ultimate Adventure
Are you looking to collaborate with another business on an upcoming event, promotion or package? Let VSMMD know and we can connect you with other members. Email us your ideas: info@visitstmarysmd.com
| | | | List your Upcoming Events on our Calendar | |
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The VSMMD website features a robust events calendar, curated through a combination of partner outreach and industry submissions. Our goal is to highlight public events that inspire visitors to explore and experience all that our destination has to offer.
In addition, we use our calendar to create the weekly and monthly "Things to Do" posts on Facebook and Instagram.
If you have an upcoming event or promotion at your business/site, send the details to Alyssa Reeves at alyssa@visitstmarysmd.com.
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