What is the CVB?
The Hagerstown/Washington County Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) is a non-profit private organization.
The Mission of the Bureau is to promote Hagerstown and Washington County by increasing tourism and visitor spending through the marketing and promotion of attractions, events, accommodations and visitor services which will contribute to economic development.
The CVB markets and promotes Washington County, and your business or organization. Millions of people are exposed to our county's amenities, attractions, and businesses, because of the CVB's web, print, and broadcast marketing. Since the privatization of the CVB in 1997, its budget has grown from approximately $400,000 to more than $1.1 million annually. As directed by the Board of Directors, about 70% of all funds are spent directly on operations, advertising, marketing programs and publications. Only 30% of the total budget is spent on employee and related administrative costs.
Over the past several years, Washington County has experienced record growth in travel.
Visitor expenditures have increased from $127 million in FY 1996 to a projected $300 million in FY 2014
Accommodations occupancy rates have increased nearly 10%
Lodging tax collections have increased nearly 25%
Visitations to county attractions have risen nearly 10%
Washington County ranks among the top destinations in Maryland
The economic impact of these numbers affects each and every person in Washington County. For businesses, this increase in visitors translates into more customers for gasoline, food, souvenirs, services, clothing and more. For you and your family, this increased spending represents lower local and state taxes, expanded recreational, retail and scenic opportunities.
Our Board of Directors consists of 15 individuals representing not only the tourism industry, but also a wide scope of businesses from throughout the County.
Its offices are located at 16 Public Square in Downtown Hagerstown, and they also operated the Visitor Welcome Center at 6 North Potomac Street, also in Downtown Hagerstown.