Annapolis Opens Welcome Center at BWI Airport
Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County has opened a 500-square-foot visitor center in BWI Marshall Airport's Terminal A baggage claim.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Air Travel
Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County opened a Welcome Center at BWI Marshall Airport, located in Terminal A baggage claim. The 500-square-foot space offers trip-planning technology and personalized assistance to travelers arriving in Maryland.
Why it matters
The center is intended to introduce Maryland to airport travelers and encourage visitors to explore more of the state beyond their arrival point. For Annapolis, it offers a direct point of contact with the millions of passengers who pass through BWI each year.
The Welcome Center covers 500 square feet within a 10-year agreement with BWI Marshall Airport, which serves about 27 million passengers annually. Planning was supported by a $50,000 Maryland Office of Tourism Development grant and $100,000 from the Local Bond Initiative.
The players
Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County
The local tourism organization that secured the 10-year agreement with BWI Marshall Airport and operates the Welcome Center to promote the region to travelers.
BWI Marshall Airport
The Baltimore-area airport that hosts the Welcome Center in Terminal A and serves roughly 27 million passengers each year.
Maryland Office of Tourism Development
The state agency that provided a $50,000 grant to support planning for the Welcome Center.
The details
A 24-hour interactive kiosk provides maps, attractions, accommodations, dining recommendations, and multilingual support, while three digital displays highlight destinations and local businesses. Staff offer personalized assistance daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and transportation information covers shuttles, transit, rideshare, taxis, MARC, Amtrak and hotel options. A custom mural by Annapolis artist Comacell Brown, Jr. is a centerpiece of the space.
Timeline
Planning for the Welcome Center began in 2023 with a state grant.
The Welcome Center opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on November 2, 2026.
Personalized visitor assistance is available daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Travel Outlook
The Welcome Center follows a model of pairing airport arrival points with regional promotion, extending the state's tourism development funding into a permanent presence at a major gateway. Its placement in baggage claim targets travelers at the point where many decide how to spend their time in the region.
Travelers arriving at BWI can stop in Terminal A baggage claim for maps, dining and lodging suggestions, and transportation options to Annapolis. Personalized help is available daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., while the kiosk offers round-the-clock access.
The takeaway
Arriving travelers can use the Welcome Center to plan transportation and activities before leaving the airport. Checking local transit and lodging options early can make a first visit to Annapolis smoother.
Further reading
Explore more on Air Travel to see how regional welcome centers fit into airport arrival experiences.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Eye On Annapolis.
