Our Commitment to Social Inclusion

Visit Baltimore is committed to fostering an inclusive community where visitors of all backgrounds, races, genders and abilities know and feel that they’re welcome when they come to Charm City. We’re asking local hoteliers, restaurants, museums, attractions, retail stores and others throughout the tourism and hospitality industry to join us by signing a one-page Warm Welcome pledge declaring their intention to convey a respectful and welcoming atmosphere for visitors and community members alike. Participation provides access to inclusivity training tools and display materials that support the commitment. Visit Baltimore members and businesses throughout the region are invited to sign the pledge.

Nurturing emerging leaders from underrepresented communities is an important part of our allyship work and goal of bringing more people of color into the travel, tourism and hospitality industries. Thanks to the generous support of our partners Guinness Open Gate Brewery and Tourism Economics, we’re offering two programs to expand career pathways to more diverse candidates.

The Apprenticeship Program is a 600-hour paid apprenticeship offering a three-part immersive learning experience within the travel, tourism and craft beer industries. The selected apprentices will shadow at Visit Baltimore, Guinness Open Gate Brewery, and another local tourism entity to explore various roles and career paths within each organization and will then be guaranteed employment by Visit Baltimore or a partner organization upon completion of the program with the support of Searchwide Global.

The Data Analytics Fellowship is a 600-hour paid internship offering firsthand experience working in the data, technology and business intelligence sector within the destination marketing community. The selected fellows will work with the operations departments at Visit Baltimore and Tourism Economics, and be provided training and professional development opportunities through academic seminars, in-depth research and analysis and a broad range of skills development.

My favorite part [of the Apprenticeship Program] was being able to connect with so many powerful and creative minds. The environment that Visit Baltimore…instilled was collaborative and inspiring.  – Naomi Bolasingh, Visit Baltimore’s 2020  Apprentice

Baltimore’s rich African American history has translated into a powerful Black culture today — a culture that we celebrate through Visit Baltimore’s free BoP Pass. This pass unlocks exclusive deals and discounts to museums and attractions that feature Baltimore’s deep African American history and heritage. It also highlights and provides special offers to some of Baltimore’s Black-owned restaurants, small businesses and cultural attractions while spotlighting historic landmarks, buildings and storied neighborhoods including the state-designated Pennsylvania Avenue Black Arts & Entertainment District. 

Visit Baltimore’s brand was developed with the input of many local voices to authentically represent our diverse city and the intersection of people and places that make Baltimore so special. Featured in our efforts are many local tastemakers and talented poets, writers, photographers, musicians, models and more. Check out our recent TV and video work here!

Learn more about Visit Baltimore’s mission and initiatives, including:

• Meeting planner resources
• Membership opportunities for minority-owned businesses

Other local organizations committed to serving diverse communities:

• Tourism Diversity Matters
• Downtown BOOST Program for Black-Owned Businesses
• Karson Institute for Race, Peace, and Social Justice
• Greater Baltimore Black Chamber of Commerce 
• Baltimore Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
• Baltimore Pride 
• Maryland LGBT Chamber of Commerce