Visit Baltimore, the official destination sales and
marketing organization for the City
of Baltimore announced that Al Hutchinson, President and CEO will not renew
his contract when it expires on June 30, 2025.
The committee, led by Board Chair Charles “Chuck” Tildon III
of the Convention & Tourism Board was established to ensure a smooth
transition with Hutchinson agreeing to stay on in a consultant role until his
successor is found.
"Serving as President & CEO of Visit Baltimore has
been the opportunity of a lifetime," said Hutchinson. “It has been the most challenging job that
I’ve ever had and also the most fulfilling.”
He added, “After careful consideration, I've decided to step
back from full-time executive leadership to focus on other personal interests
and opportunities, once my existing contract concludes. Baltimore's potential
as a premier
destination continues to flourish, and the foundation we've built over the
past several years ensures that our city's tourism industry will continue to
thrive.”
Under Hutchinson's leadership, Visit Baltimore achieved
numerous milestones that transformed the city's tourism landscape, including:
- Record-breaking visitation of 27.5 million
visitors in 2023, with domestic travel generating $4 billion for the city's
economy
- Bid winner to host the 2033 American Society of
Association Executives (ASAE) Annual Meeting and Exposition, projected to
generate $15-$18 million in economic impact for Baltimore
- Establishing a Tourism Improvement District additional
resources directly from the city’s hotels towards sales and marketing efforts generating
tax revenue from visitors
- Leading a full marketing rebrand and launching
"Smalltimore," an innovative mobile visitor center showcasing
Baltimore's arts, history and culture
- Fostering initiatives built on social inclusion,
such as the Warm Welcome Program, BoP Pass, Apprenticeships and an enduring
National HBCU Scholarship
- Securing Baltimore as the host city for the
Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Men's and Women's
Basketball Tournament, generating $32.5 million in economic impact, $3.1
million in state and local taxes, and creating1,315 part-time and full-time
jobs in 2024. CIAA will return to Baltimore February 25-March 1, 2025 for the
fifth year and is committed to the city through 2026
"Al's vision and dedication have been instrumental in
elevating Baltimore's profile on the national stage,” said Tildon. “Under his
leadership, we've seen Baltimore transform into a destination that not only
attracts significant leisure visitation but also draws marquee conventions and
events that drive critical economic impact for the city.”
Tildon added, “His most enduring legacy is the world-class
team he has built and the collaborative culture he has fostered within the
organization."
During Hutchinson's eight years in Baltimore, the
organization strengthened community partnerships by highlighting local artists
and makers while celebrating local visionaries who’ve enhanced the city's
cultural landscape and tourist appeal.
Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott said, “Under Al’s
transformative leadership, Baltimore’s tourism industry has thrived, bringing
visitors, investment and new opportunities to our city. We are grateful for
Al’s many contributions to Baltimore. His commitment to telling positive, community-focused stories that
showcase the breadth and diversity of our neighborhoods has set the stage for a
bright future."
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