Warm Welcome proudly represents our city’s commitment to ensuring every visitor feels seen, heard, and genuinely welcome, no matter who they are or where they come from. Through every pledge and the efforts of participants across the tourism, hospitality, and broader business communities, we can make a lasting difference.
How Warm Welcome Works
- Take the Pledge
We invite all Baltimore-based businesses and attractions to sign a pledge to offer colleagues, community members and visitors a “Warm Welcome” by embracing everyone. - Implement Tools
Visit Baltimore will provide participating organizations with expert-led training tools on various Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) topics. Participants are encouraged to review these materials with their entire team and incorporate them into ongoing staff training. - Be An Ambassador
Each participant will receive a “Warm Welcome” toolkit with materials to display at their business and on relevant digital channels, demonstrating their commitment to the program and encouraging others to join. - Maintain Progress
Visit Baltimore will continue to support participants with free inclusivity resources and ongoing training as needed.
We welcome you, ALL of you
Our Commitment
Baltimore’s brilliant and rich culture is created by a mosaic of diverse communities. By signing Visit Baltimore’s Warm Welcome Pledge, your organization, as part of the tourism, hospitality and greater business community, commits to embracing diversity, equity and inclusion through tangible and meaningful actions that support colleagues, neighbors and visitors alike.
By participating in the program, you pledge to:
- Use supportive, affirming language
- Inspire proactive allyship
- Encourage productive dialogue about race and bias
- Foster active listening and learning, including formal DEI training for staff and/or stakeholders
We remain steadfast in our goal to eliminate hate. Allyship and antiracism are a part of our DNA, and we want all who come to Charm City to feel seen, heard and welcome.
Take the Pledge
Fill out this form to pledge your commitment to our mission. We will follow up with training tools and more information.
Our Participants Drive Progress
The work of diversity, equity, and inclusion is ongoing. For some, the Warm Welcome pledge marks the start of essential efforts. For others, it represents a renewed commitment to the cause. We aim to provide the tools and resources needed to approach this work with integrity, purpose, and impact. Together, we dedicate time to continuous learning, taking accountability for mistakes, and always asking, “How can we do better?” Charm City and all its visitors will be better for it.
2023 AFAR Travel Vanguard
The Warm Welcome program received the AFAR 2023 Travel Vanguard award! This annual award celebrates travel brands making exceptional strides in sustainability, accessibility, diversity and inclusion. We’re proud to be chosen as a travel organization that puts people first.
Participation continues to grow with more than 100 pledged businesses and counting. Here’s what some of our signers have to say.
Share My Expertise
Do you have experience educating and training organizations on DEI methods that can improve their environment for staff and guests? We’re always looking for fresh perspectives and new subject matter experts to help grow our content library for pledged participants.