Visit Baltimore has unveiled a refreshed version of its "Warm Welcome" program, an initiative focused on inclusivity and promoting hospitality citywide. The updated program aims to highlight Baltimore’s commitment to being a welcoming destination for all visitors.
New "Warm Welcome" content includes a video module created in collaboration with renowned diversity, equity and inclusion expert Deanna Singh, founder of Uplifting Impact, an organization dedicated to building bridges across differences and fostering inclusive leadership. This new resource offers tools for embracing differences through daily interactions with guests and explores the benefits of welcoming people from all backgrounds, while providing tips on how to become a steward of inclusivity within their organizations.
The initiative comes with a refreshed web page, logo and brand created in partnership with Coven, a Baltimore-based, women-owned creative agency. As part of this transformation, Visit Baltimore will replace the original "Warm Welcome" content with the updated materials, ensuring the resources remain current and relevant. Tourism Academy will serve as the new online platform for "Warm Welcome." And, when fully launched next year, it will become a hub for professional development with free courses to support Baltimore's hospitality sector, including resources that celebrate Baltimore’s cultural heritage and diverse community.
The Visit Baltimore Warm Welcome program aims to establish Baltimore as a top destination for all people, regardless of race, gender identity, nationality, ethnicity, disability and more. The program encourages local hotels, restaurants, attractions and other businesses to sign an online pledge committing to train their staff and stakeholders to use supportive, affirming language; inspire proactive allyship; encourage productive dialogue about race, accessibility and bias; and foster active listening and learning. Pledge signers receive a link to the exclusive training toolkit created specifically for the tourism and hospitality community in Baltimore.
Once an organization completes the training with their entire staff, Visit Baltimore will provide a "Warm Welcome" window cling and lapel pins for staff to show visitors they are seen and respected in that place of business. Visit Baltimore is continuously working with local experts to enhance its Warm Welcome resources and has plans to release an additional module in 2025.
For more information, visit www.baltimore.org/warm-welcome.
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