Baltimore's growing tourism niche has been a boon to the members of the Better Baltimore Bed and Breakfasts Association. With more tourists coming to town, innkeepers around Baltimore are adding staff and looking at ways to encourage more tourists to choose a bed and breakfast for their vacation home.
"We're noticing that things are getting back on track," says Barry Werner, a founder of Better Baltimore Bed and Breakfasts. "Some of our members have recently had record months."
The Association has teamed up with Betterwaytostay.com to offer promotions that encourage travelers to choose a bed and breakfast when planning a trip. Through the "B&Bs Kick Gas!" promotion, bed and breakfasts around the country are offering discounts to guests who might be turned off from traveling by high gas prices. In Baltimore, members of the Better Baltimore Bed and Breakfasts Association are offering discounts on stays of two nights or more when couples show proof of carpooling on the trip.
Baltimore's bed and breakfasts are also expanding staff as the tourism season kicks off. As more owners of inns ramp up their summer promotions, several local inns are hiring innkeepers and additional staff.
"Many of our members are hiring innkeepers to help with day to day tasks, and free up the owners to concentrate more on marketing," continues Mr. Werner.
The Better Baltimore Bed and Breakfast Association was formed in September 2010. The Association will be launching an expansion effort to include associate members from other hospitality businesses in upcoming months.
Writer: Amy McNeal
Sources: Barry Werner, Better Baltimore Bed and Breakfasts Association, Better Way To Stay