Visit Frederick's Vision for Sustainable Tourism Growth
Visit Frederick has proudly revealed its Strategic Plan for 2026-2031, a comprehensive roadmap aimed at promoting tourism growth while safeguarding the vibrant quality of life for its residents. This plan articulates a forward-thinking approach geared towards enhancing the visitor economy through collaboration, responsible stewardship, and informed decision-making. It aims to ensure that tourism continues to provide substantial benefits to the community.
Strategic Priorities for Community Growth
Tourism plays a crucial role in driving economic stability within the county, aiding thousands of jobs and supporting hundreds of local businesses, collectively contributing to more than $500 million in annual visitor spending. The newly adopted strategic plan builds upon this solid foundation by defining actionable priorities that embrace economic opportunities while respecting community values amidst growth and transformation.
Dave Ziedelis, Executive Director of Visit Frederick, stated, "Tourism is one of Frederick County's quiet success stories. It not only supports local employment but also empowers small businesses and contributes to the amenities that enhance our livability. This plan presents a clear course towards safeguarding and amplifying those advantages for our entire community."
Collaborative Development Process
Over an extensive eight-month period, the strategic plan was developed in cooperation with the Coraggio Group, reflecting a thorough engagement process that included residents, local leaders, tourism partners, and visitors. Input gathered through surveys, interviews, and public listening sessions ensured a collective vision emerged that supports responsible and sustainable tourism growth in the upcoming years.
Core Focus Areas of the Plan
The framework of the Strategic Plan encompasses four essential imperatives: increasing visitation and visitor spending throughout Frederick County; fostering a positive sentiment towards tourism within the community; enhancing the organizational capacity to effectively manage growth; and establishing Visit Frederick's destination stewardship principles. These priorities collectively target extending visitor stays, nurturing emerging markets like meetings and conferences, and ensuring that tourism investments are in alignment with the priorities of local residents.
Adapting to a Changing Landscape
As Ziedelis articulates, "This plan recognizes that the tourism landscape is evolving, just as Frederick County is. We are welcoming new residents, new businesses, and new opportunities. This strategy is designed to guide us thoughtfully through that growth, ensuring that tourism adds to our communities rather than overwhelming them."
Commitment to Responsible Development
A significant aspect of the plan is a focus on destination stewardship. This principle underscores the importance of ensuring that tourism development contributes positively to historic preservation, environmental conservation, infrastructure improvements, and the overall quality of life for residents. Visit Frederick is committed to working alongside municipalities, business organizations, nonprofits, and local enterprises to harmonize tourism promotion with community needs and sustainable practices.
The complete version of Visit Frederick's 2026-2031 Strategic Plan is accessible in a detailed booklet and a concise one-page summary at visitfrederick.org. Implementation of this plan will commence immediately, serving as a guiding framework for upcoming marketing initiatives, partnerships, community involvement, and investment decisions in the years to come.
Engaging with the Community
As part of their commitment to transparency and inclusion, Visit Frederick is hosting a public meeting to share insights about the 2026-2031 Strategic Plan and to collect valuable community feedback. This gathering is scheduled for a Wednesday morning at the Frederick Visitor Center. All residents, partners, and stakeholders are invited to attend and discover how this strategic vision will cultivate tourism growth within Frederick County.
About Visit Frederick
Visit Frederick plays a pivotal role in enhancing both economic vitality and community pride through tourism development, all while making significant contributions to residents' quality of life. As the official Destination Marketing Organization for Frederick City and County, it is dedicated to the growth and stewardship of the local visitor economy through collaboration, strategic investment, and community-oriented initiatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the 2026-2031 Strategic Plan?
The plan aims to guide tourism growth in a way that benefits the community while preserving residents' quality of life.
Who contributed to the development of the strategic plan?
The plan was created through collaboration with the Coraggio Group and involved extensive engagement with residents, local leaders, and tourism partners.
What are the main focus areas of the plan?
The plan focuses on increasing visitation, promoting positive community sentiment, and ensuring sustainable tourism development.
How can the community get involved in the planning process?
The community can participate through public meetings and provide feedback on the plan and its initiatives.
Where can the full strategic plan be accessed?
The complete strategic plan is available at visitfrederick.org, along with a one-page summary.
