Visitor volume and spending topped pre-pandemic levels last year, according to a new report  from the Maryland Department of Commerce’s Office of Tourism.

The state welcomed more than 43.5 million people in 2022, who spent upwards of $19 billion. Overall, the $30 billion economic impact of the tourism industry generated $2.3 billion in state and local taxes, saving each Maryland household $1,000 in annual taxes.

“Tourism in Maryland continues to be a significant economic engine and job creator, but it also drives our state’s outstanding quality of life which keeps visitors returning again and again,” said Governor Wes Moore. “We are excited to see both visitor volume and spending has rebounded to pre-pandemic levels, showing the resiliency of tourism as a critical industry.”

The report also found that the state’s tourism industry accounts for 1 in 20 jobs, with those in the industry earning nearly $10 billion in wages, and the industry’s largest employers being the food and beverage sector followed by the lodging sector.

Read the full announcement