New Welcome Center opens at BWI to connect travelers with Maryland destinations

BALTIMORE, Md. (WBFF) — A new welcome center opened Tuesday at BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport, offering travelers information about Annapolis, Anne Arundel County and destinations across Maryland.

The 500-square-foot center is in Terminal A’s baggage claim area.

It includes a 24-hour interactive kiosk with trip-planning resources, maps and recommendations, as well as digital displays, transportation information and artwork by Anne Arundel County artists.

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Destination experience associates will be available daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The center’s centerpiece is a custom mural by Annapolis artist Comacell Brown Jr. A rotating display of work by Anne Arundel County artists is planned for the space.

“For 27 million travelers each year, BWI is their first impression of Maryland, and we want that impression to be more than a baggage claim and a rental car counter,” Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller said at the opening ceremony.

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The project began in 2023 with a $50,000 grant from the Maryland Office of Tourism Development for a planning study. It later received a $100,000 Local Bond Initiative sponsored by state Sen. Pam Beidle and Delegate Mark Chang.

Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County secured a 10-year agreement for the airport space and worked with BWI on the design and construction.

“A strong first impression can shape an entire trip,” said Kristen Pironis, CEO of Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County.

The opening ceremony included state and local officials, including Miller, Beidle, Chang and Anne Arundel County Councilwoman Allison Pickard. The officials presented citations recognizing the center’s opening and its role in the region’s visitor economy.