Visit Baltimore President and CEO Al Hutchinson has decided not to renew his contract when it expires on June 30, 2025, the official destination sales and marketing organization for the city of Baltimore announced.
A committee made up of several members of the Baltimore Convention & Tourism Board (BCTB), led by Board Chair Charles “Chuck” Tildon, III, has been established to help ensure a smooth transition. Hutchinson has agreed to stay on in a consultant role to assist with the transition at least until his successor is identified. Additional details will be made available by the committee in the coming weeks.
Under Hutchinson's leadership, Visit Baltimore achieved numerous milestones, including record-breaking visitation of 27.5 million visitors in 2023, with domestic travel generating $4 billion for the city's economy. The city also won the bid to host the prestigious 2033 American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) Annual Meeting and Exposition, projected to generate $15 to $18 million in economic impact for Baltimore.
Hutchinson led the establishment of a Tourism Improvement District, which channels additional resources from city hotels into sales and marketing efforts that drive visitor tax revenue. He also spearheaded a full marketing rebrand and launched "Smalltimore," an innovative mobile visitor center showcasing Baltimore's arts, history, and culture.
Other accomplishments included fostering initiatives built on social inclusion, such as the Warm Welcome Program, BoP Pass, Apprenticeships and an enduring National HBCU Scholarship. Hutchinson, as well as securing Baltimore as the host city for the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Men's and Women's Basketball Tournament, which generated $32.5 million in economic impact, $3.1 million in state and local taxes, and created 1,315 part-time and full-time jobs in 2024. CIAA will return to Baltimore February 25 to March 1 for the fifth year and is committed to the city through 2026.
During Hutchinson's eight years in Baltimore, the organization has strengthened community partnerships by highlighting local artists and makers while celebrating local visionaries who have enhanced the city's cultural landscape and tourist appeal.
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