BALTIMORE (July 16, 2012) – The city of Baltimore is rolling out the red carpet for group tour partners that help transport thousands of visitors to the city on a daily basis. Visit Baltimore, in partnership with the Baltimore City Department of Transportation and the Parking Authority of Baltimore City, is proud to announce the opening of a new Motor Coach Parking Facility for drivers made possible, in part, by a grant from the Maryland Heritage Area Association, along with perks and savings that will further enhance a group tour’s experience.

Below is a preview of what Baltimore’s group tour partners can enjoy, including an inside look at the Motor Coach Parking Facility, details about the motor coach welcome program, the Baltimore Day Tripper Pass and other services: The New Baltimore City Motor Coach Parking Facility Located less than two miles from the Baltimore Visitor Center, group tour drivers can take a load off and enjoy the following:

• Driver lounge with Wi-Fi access, food vending, cable television and bathroom facilities
• Lighted, locked and secure lot with 61 spaces for motor coaches and school buses
• Pump out and water replenishment services • In/Out privileges for 12-hour and overnight parking.
• Complimentary admission for all motor coach drivers to the B&O Railroad Museum • Free transportation via Charm City Circulator to area hotels, restaurants and attractions
• Open from 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. seven days a week from March 1 - November 1 annually

Parking is $5 per hour, $25 for 12 hours and $35 for 24 hours. Visit Baltimore.org/group-tour or call 410-385-5848 to learn more about the Baltimore Motor Coach Parking Facility. 

The Motor Coach Welcome Program

Visit Baltimore’s Visitor Center and Group Tour department offer a free motor coach welcome program at the Baltimore Visitor Center. Motor coaches that register in advance will be greeted by a member of the Visitor Center staff who will board the arriving bus to greet passengers; provide a brief summary of things to do; and offer city guides, coupons and an invitation to view “The Baltimore Experience” in the Visitor Center Theater. After that, the passengers are welcome to browse the brochure racks and obtain assistance from trained specialists about Baltimore, purchase tickets and enjoy the Baltimore sights. Group tour partners can sign up for the program by visiting http://www.cvent.com/d/vcq08b. A seven-day advance reservation is required.

The Baltimore Day Tripper Pass Groups that come to Baltimore for a short trip and need an easy and economical quick stop can take advantage of the Baltimore Day Tripper Pass, a one-price pass that allows visitors to choose between one of three Inner Harbor attractions and a meal at one of three Inner Harbor restaurants.

Each pass allows a choice of one of these attractions:

• Ripley's Believe It or Not! Baltimore
• Historic Ships in Baltimore
• American Visionary Art Museum

And one restaurant meal (includes one meal, beverage and 15 percent gratuity depending on choice):

• Tir Na Nog Irish Bar & Grill
• Lenny's Deli Harborplace
• Uno's Chicago Grill

Each pass also includes free parking for a bus or motor coach at the new Motor Coach Parking Facility. Passes can only be purchased a minimum of seven days in advance of arrival and are available for groups of 20 or more. For more information or to purchase, please send an email with "day tripper pass" in the subject line to vctix@baltimore.org.

Discounted Ticketing

Groups that book tickets for attractions through the Baltimore Visitor Center or hotel rooms through Visit Baltimore’s Group Tour Sales department may also receive discounted $15 parking at the new Motor Coach Parking Facility. To qualify or receive more information, call 877-BALTIMORE and choose option 4.

For more information about Baltimore, latest happenings or how they city can help in serving group tours, visit www.batlimore.org/group-tour

Visit Baltimore – the official sales and marketing organization for Baltimore that generates economic benefits for stakeholders through the attraction of convention, group and leisure visitors. For more information, visit www.baltimore.org. ###