The Maryland Heritage Area Authority (MHAA) is now seeking applications for its FY 2020 grant cycle. MHAA provides dollar-for-dollar matching grants for capital and non-capital projects located within Maryland's 13 Certified Heritage Areas. Matching grants for capital and non-capital projects are available to non-profit organizations, local jurisdictions, state agencies, and federal agencies. The final workshop will be held January 18 in St. Michaels and there will be an online webinar on January 28 at 1:30 p.m. Online applications must be received by January 31. For more information, including an educational PowerPoint presentation, and to apply, follow this link.

The Maryland Tourism Coalition (MTC), a Maryland tourism advocacy group and private partner to OTD, has announced its priorities for the 2019 legislative session, which began on January 9. MTC’s priorities include support for performance-based marketing funds, support for the craft beverage industry, and support for DMOs. Follow this link to read MTC’s entire legislative agenda. MTC will also host Monday call-ins throughout the legislative session, with members in good standing encouraged to participate. Contact MTC for more details.

The Maryland Office of Tourism and the National Park Service will be offering a training program for Chesapeake Bay guides, watermen/waterwomen and water-based tour providers with the goals of increased private sector business growth and increased stewardship of the Chesapeake Bay. The training will assist businesses with the development of new tours or enhancement of existing ones. The in-person classroom-style training program will include tour development guidance, public speaking and presentation skills, Chesapeake Bay curriculum and information about other travel opportunities around the Chesapeake Bay. Once developed, the tours and businesses will be marketed by OTD and its partners. To help us develop the best training platform, and plan training locations, dates and times, water-based tour providers are encouraged to complete this survey by Tuesday, January 22.

Arts and Tourism advocates are planning their annual industry days in Annapolis, with Maryland Arts Day set for February 14 and Maryland Tourism Day set for February 15. Produced by Maryland Citizens for the Arts (MCA), Maryland Arts Day brings stakeholders together with lawmakers to provide an opportunity for dialogue on the importance of arts and arts funding to Maryland. The event also features the presentation of the Sue Hess Arts Advocate of the Year Award and an address by keynote speaker Stephanie Ybarra, Artistic Director, Baltimore Center Stage. For more information, Arts Day Scholarship Opportunities, and to register, follow this link to the MCA website.

Maryland Tourism Day is sponsored by the Maryland Tourism Coalition (MTC) and the Maryland Association of Destination Marketing Organizations, and provides an opportunity for tourism advocates to meet with their representatives to discuss the importance of tourism to the Maryland economy. To register, and for a full schedule including information sessions, door-to-door visits with legislators, and the presentation of the Tourism Advocate Award, follow this link to the MTC website.

Produced by the Maryland Office of Tourism Development, Destination Maryland is an inspirational travel guide that combines stunning photography and stories written by Maryland writers. This year’s edition features adventures around the Chesapeake Bay region, and in Western Maryland’s mountains, a guide to Maryland craft beverages, road trip suggestions, a guide to Maryland water experiences, amusement parks, restaurants and more. Destination Maryland is available for free at Maryland Welcome Centers, and can be ordered at VisitMaryland.org.

How can OTD help spread the word about your attraction or event? "Maryland Mondays" is the perfect way to help us help you. Each Monday, OTD launches a new “Maryland Mondays” ticket give-away program across all of our social media channels, consumer newsletter, and weekly “Maryland Minute” radio spots. Combined, these channels reach thousands of potential customers each week. To find out how to get involved by providing tickets to your attraction for an upcoming "Maryland Mondays," email OTD’s Leslie Troy.

For the latest on events and everything going all around Maryland, view the latest edition of Visit Maryland Now! here.

Each week, the Maryland Minute provides highlights and insights on this weekend’s events around the state. Maryland Minute is featured on iHeart radio stations in Maryland and Washington, D.C. and on Baltimore’s WBAL-AM 1090.