By Kyle Erway
Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writer
Mayor Brandon M. Scott announced Wednesday that the State of Maryland will financially assist Baltimore City hotels that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic by releasing $8 million in grant funds.
Visit Baltimore, the official destination sales and marketing organization for the city, will manage and distribute these funds, said Scott, adding that applications can be submitted beginning Thursday.
Criteria for grant funding for the hotels include proof that the hotel has been operating before the pandemic began and has contributed sales and tax revenue. Applications must be submitted to: baltimore.org/hotel grants. State guidelines require that distribution of funds be completed by March 31, and hotels receiving funds must open their doors by May 1.
During a press conference, Scott applauded Gov Larry Hogan and his decision to grant the funds to the city’s hotels. He added that the funds would greatly assist in getting the city of Baltimore back on its feet.
“While the pandemic is far from over and we have a long road of recovery ahead, these funds will help our hotels continue to weather these unprecedented times and play a key role in our economic rebound from COVID-19,” Scott said.
Scott said the direct relief can be used for payroll expenses, rent, and utilities to keep hotels running efficiently.
Al Hutchinson, Visit Baltimore president and CEO, credited the city’s hotel partners with playing an important role in the city’s tourism. He stressed “it’s no secret the industry has been decimated by COVID-19.”
“These funds are essential for local hotels to keep their doors open and safely welcome overnight visitors back to Baltimore when travelers are ready,” Hutchinson said.
In 2019, travelers to Baltimore spent about $6 billion throughout the city, an amount that supported 86,827 total jobs and generated $750 million in state and city tax revenues. However, the coronavirus pandemic began its spread early last year, ravaging the travel and tourism industries like it has with almost every other popular industry world-wide.
“We know that our hotels in Baltimore play a critical role in hosting our visitors and boosting our economy,” Scott said, “and I am thrilled that this funding will provide our hotels with the much-needed relief they deserve.”