BALTIMORE (WJZ) – Tourism in Baltimore City, like many other major cities in the US, has been badly affected by the coronavirus pandemic. City hotels will now receive some relief in the form of grants, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott announced on Wednesday.
Scott announced that the state has released $ 8 million in grants for hotels hit by COVID-19.
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Visit Baltimore will manage and distribute these funds. They will start accepting applications from Thursday, February 18.
“I would like to thank Governor Hogan for providing this crucial funding for our Baltimore hotels,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “While the pandemic is far from over and we have a long way to go to recovery, these funds will help our hotels continue through these unprecedented times and play a key role in our economic recovery from COVID-19.”
To qualify for the scholarship, hotels must have been open and operational prior to the pandemic and have contributed sales tax revenue.
Hotels can apply at baltimore.org/hotel-grants/.
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A total of $ 50 million was given to hotels in Maryland counties and the city. This direct relief can be used for labor costs, rent and ancillary costs.
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According to state guidelines, the distribution of funds must be completed by March 31, 2021, and hotels receiving the funds must have their doors open by May 1, 2021.
“Our hotel partners play an important role in Baltimore City tourism, and it’s no secret that the industry has been decimated by COVID-19,” said Al Hutchinson, President and CEO of Visit Baltimore. “These funds are essential for local hotels to keep their doors open and safely welcome overnight guests to Baltimore when travelers are ready.”
Travelers spent $ 6 billion in the city in 2019, supported a total of 86,827 jobs, and generated $ 750 million in tax revenue.
“I look forward to working with Visit Baltimore to manage and distribute this essential resource to the Baltimore hotel community,” continued Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “We know our Baltimore hotels are critical to receiving our visitors and fueling our economy, and I am thrilled that this funding is giving our hotels the much-needed relief they deserve.”
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For the latest information on coronavirus, see Maryland Health Department website or call 211. You can find all of WJZ’s coverage at Coronavirus in Maryland here.
