Tourism on a shoestring. (Baltimore, Maryland)

Other cities spend more to attract visitors

Baltimore tourism officials last year spent the majority of their $3.1 million budget on salaries and benefits for their 41 employees.

Their second largest expense, general and administration, made up 27 percent.

Promotions and advertising spending made up only about 16 percent of the budget, according to an independent auditors' report.

Though revenues at the Baltimore Area Convention and Visitors Association exceeded operating expenses, the organization still wound up in the red because of a nagging debt.

As of June 30, 1994, the association owes the city $549,567. The association was operating at a deficit of $490,928.

 
Tourism budgets 

 
San Antonio            $10.2M 
BALTIMORE               $3.1M 
Charlotte, N.C.         $3.0M 
Boise, Idaho            $1.0M 

 
Sources: Individual agencies 

While city and tourism officials trade charges over who is responsible for the deficit, an informal survey of other tourism officials around the nation show that Baltimore's budget is on the low end.

But apparently, Baltimore's convention bureau is well known for attracting a lot of business without spending much money.

"Most of us look at [Baltimore] and say, 'Gee, …