Fellow Gadlinger Grant Martin was right. Or, at least, he's found a lot of people who agree with him. Baltimore's tourism business is on the rise. The city's tourism bureau reported that it's already passed the halfway point to its hotel booking goals for the next fiscal year.

The city has a goal of 475,000 future room nights, and the bureau's sales team has already taken care of 301,800 of them. That's 63.5 percent of the target amount with half a year to go. In a brutal economy, and in a city that isn't usually seen as a top destination. The opening of the new Hilton Convention Center in August, which brings 757 rooms with it, is a big part of the city's success. Another five hotels are expected to open as well.

So, what does this mean for the city of Baltimore? The 2008 bookings are expected to have an economic impact of $422 million.

Traveling on a budget? Add Baltimore to your agenda.

[Via USA Today]

Filed under: North America, United States, Hotels and Accommodations, News