Today, the American Bus Association (ABA) – the industry leader advancing North American motorcoach, travel and tourism – announced Baltimore as the site of its 2021 ABA Annual Meeting & Marketplace. The dates of the 2021 Marketplace will be Jan. 30-Feb. 2, 2021. This will be the second time the ABA has held its meeting in the city.
“We look forward to bringing our ABA Annual Meeting & Marketplace to Baltimore in 2021,” said ABA President & CEO Peter Pantuso, CTIS. “Our last time in Baltimore was in 2001, and this city has transformed itself over the last 20 years to a multi-cultural, culinary city that is convenient to get around and unforgettable in all that you will see and do. It is a perfect group travel destination city.”
“We’re excited to welcome thousands of American Bus Association members back to Maryland in 2021,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “Last year, Maryland welcomed more than 4 million bus tour visitors which generated nearly $2 billion into our economy. This conference will give us the opportunity to increase our share of the group tour market, and also showcase Baltimore’s rich heritage and outstanding cultural attractions.”
“Baltimore is honored to host the American Bus Association’s Annual Meeting & Marketplace in 2021,” said Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh. “Hosting events like ABA that provide ongoing, long-term economic impact to Baltimore are vitally important to the expansion of the tourism industry in Baltimore, supporting job growth and driving economic impact for years to come.”
American Bus Association’s Annual Meeting & Marketplace is the number one group travel show in North America with the greatest ROI for its attendees. In 2017, ABA’s meeting in Cleveland welcomed more than 3,400 tour operators, travel industry suppliers and exhibitors and generated approximately $115.9 million dollars in booked business during the event and immediately afterward.
“As we look to grow our share of the group tour market, The American Bus Association’s Annual Meeting & Marketplace provides an unmatched opportunity to re-introduce Baltimore and its wealth of unique and authentic experiences to motor coach operators who can add Baltimore to their tour offerings and bring additional visitors to Baltimore,” said Al Hutchinson, president and CEO of Visit Baltimore. “We are excited by the opportunity to engage with this important stakeholder group and demonstrate our appeal as a group tour destination.”
Pantuso noted that Baltimore has it all when it comes to hosting an event like ABA’s Annual Meeting & Marketplace, “from the beautiful waterfront with its attractions, to the world-class museums and historic sites, to quaint neighborhoods and restaurants offering every dish imaginable, we are so excited to bring our 3,400-plus members to this city.”
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