Howard County Tourism & Promotion is a not-for-profit partnership based organization (501c6) dedicated to promoting all that is wonderful and unique about visiting, meeting, living and investing in Howard County, Maryland. Howard County Tourism & Promotion is recognized by Howard County Government and the Maryland Office of Tourism Development as the official Destination Marketing Organization for Howard County, Maryland. 



Founded in 1981, their mission is to increase, develop and promote tourism in Howard County by featuring the county's unique LOCATION, sites, services, products and people. 

Since 2003 they have quadrupled their total operating budget by lobbying for a legislated and dedicated hotel tax. Membership, who they refer to as “marketing partners”, have doubled in number and they enjoy a 92% renewal and retention rate. The newly renovated Welcome Center in historic Ellicott City visitation is up 76% since its ribbon-cutting. Year after-year the Tourism Team returns home from the Maryland Tourism & Travel Summit with multiple marketing awards including best website, best visitor guide and best digital campaign. With much PR savvy they have worked with National media including the New York Times, Southern Living and MONEY magazine.

Rachelina Bonacci is an innovative communications and marketing leader with 20+ years’ experience in travel / tourism management, media relations and sales for some of the industry's largest and most esteemed employers including Southwest Airlines Co. and Hyatt Hotels & Resorts.

Above all, she sincerely believes in the transformative power of travel and is a passionate advocate for the tourism industry and was honored to receive the Maryland Tourism Advocate of the Year Award in 2011.

Presently, in her 12th year as CEO of Howard County Tourism & Promotion, she is energized in thinking and operating entrepreneurially with great financial and public relations results, not only for her organization, but for Howard County as a destination and its many member businesses. The phenomenal growth of Howard County Tourism & Promotion under Bonacci's leadership, in midst of a recession, has been well chronicled in the media.

In 2015, Howard County Tourism & Promotion had another stunning year of successes that resulted in much recognition at the Maryland Tourism & Travel Summit coupled with honorary proclamations by local Government.

As the immediate past chair of the Maryland Destination Marketing Organization and recently having chaired one of the most financially successful Maryland Tourism & Travel Summits for the Maryland Tourism Coalition, she continues to be amongst the most respected and accomplished destination marketing leaders in the state.

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