Visit Frederick Celebrates Record Tourism Growth and Community Impact in Frederick County

FREDERICK, Md., Oct. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- At its annual meeting held on October 15 at the newly opened Visitation Hotel in Downtown Frederick, Visit Frederick celebrated another year of remarkable success for Frederick County's tourism industry.

Before a crowd of 160 community members, partners, and elected officials, Executive Director Dave Ziedelis announced that visitor spending in Frederick County reached a record $564 million in 2024 - a 4.6% increase over the previous year.

According to the latest Economic Impact of Tourism in Maryland report, 2.1 million travelers visited Frederick County in 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic visitation levels for the first time since 2019. The sustained growth highlights Frederick County's appeal as a premier destination in the Capital Region, drawing both day-trippers and overnight guests from across the Mid-Atlantic.

Frederick County's hotel rental tax revenue also set an all-time high, climbing to $65.5 million in FY25, a 7% increase over FY24. Revenue from overnight stays continues to strengthen Visit Frederick's marketing and development programs, fueling long-term investments in the county's tourism economy.

"Frederick County's tourism industry continues to deliver incredible results - driving record visitor spending, creating jobs, and enriching our community," said Dave Ziedelis, Executive Director of Visit Frederick. "What makes this success truly special is that it's built on partnerships. From our historic downtowns and small businesses to our outdoor attractions and cultural destinations, Frederick County offers the authentic Maryland experience travelers are looking for."

During the meeting, Visit Frederick shared highlights from its FY25 Annual Report, showcasing a year defined by innovation and community collaboration. In FY25 alone, Visit Frederick invested more than $1.1 million into countywide programs supporting local nonprofits, Main Streets, and destination development - bringing the organization's total community investment since 2006 to $8.8 million.

At the heart of the tourism experience, the Frederick Visitor Center remained a hub for travelers, welcoming more than 19,000 visitors from across the country and around the world. Top states of origin included Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Florida, and New York, with international travelers arriving from Canada, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

The annual meeting also recognized standout contributors to the local tourism industry:

Transit Services of Frederick County was named the 2025 Tourism Ambassador of the Year for its commitment to expanding visitor access and transportation options across the county.

Brewer's Alley, a cornerstone of Downtown Frederick's dining scene, received the award for Top Visitor Guide Distribution in 2025.

Visit Frederick also celebrated statewide recognition this year. The Maryland Hotel Lodging Association honored Visit Frederick as its 2025 Ambassador of the Year, and the Maryland Tourism Coalition named Jake Wynn its 2024 New Professional of the Year for his leadership in tourism marketing and storytelling.

Visit Frederick is the recognized Destination Marketing Organization for the City of Frederick and Frederick County, Maryland. It operates the Frederick Visitor Center and manages destination marketing and group tour programs that promote Frederick County's history, culture, and hospitality.

For more information about Visit Frederick, head to www.visitfrederick.org or call 301-600-4047.

SOURCE Visit Frederick