Baltimore photograph by Sean Pavone Photo for Adobe Stock
Al Hutchinson, president and CEO of Visit Baltimore, announced that he has chosen not to renew his contract with the city's convention and visitors bureau when it expires on June 30. Hutchinson, who joined the organization in 2016, said that after careful consideration he has "decided to step back from full-time executive leadership to focus on other personal interests and opportunities."
To ensure a smooth transition, Hutchinson has agreed to stay on as a consultant at least until his successor is identified. A committee comprised of several members from the Baltimore Convention & Tourism Board has been established to oversee the transition.
"Serving as president and 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... 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."
Hutchinson served eight years at the helm of Visit Baltimore. Under his leadership, the CVB achieved numerous milestones, including:
- Attracted a record-breaking 27.5 million visitors in 2023, with domestic travel generating $4 billion for the city's economy;
- Won the bid to host the American Society of Association Executives' 2023 Annual Meeting and Exposition, with an estimated economic impact of $15-18 million;
- Created a Tourism Improvement District to provide extra resources from Baltimore hotels for marketing and sales efforts; and
- Prioritized social inclusion initiatives such as the BoP Pass that highlights Baltimore's rich Black history and cultural attractions, and the Warm Welcome program to ensure people of all backgrounds feel safe visiting.
"Under Al's transformative leadership, Baltimore's tourism industry has thrived, bringing visitors, investment and new opportunities to our city," said Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott. "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."
Prior to joining Visit Baltimore, Hutchinson served as president and CEO of Visit Mobile, Ala. His tenure in the hospitality industry also includes 11 years as vice president of sales for the Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau.