National Harbor Launches New Convention & Visitors Association
May 18, 2016
Gaylord National Resort and the Capital Wheel.
Peterson Companies announced May 18 the creation of the National Harbor Convention and Visitors Association in partnership with MGM National Harbor, Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center and Tanger Outlets. The organization will be called Visit National Harbor. Located on the banks of the Potomac River in Prince George’s County, Maryland, National Harbor is a short distance from Alexandria and downtown Washington, DC.
In addition, Peterson and its CVA partners announced the appointment of Bruce Gudenberg as executive director of Visit National Harbor. Gudenberg also serves as vice president of marketing for National Harbor.
“With so many amenities and so much to offer, it only made sense that National Harbor would form its own convention and visitors association,” said Gudenberg. “National Harbor certainly fits all of the qualifications of a major tourism destination, and the growing volume of annual visitors backs this up.” In addition to more than 2,500 residences, the 350-acre destination contains more than 150 unique retail shops; 30 restaurants; seven hotels with more than 3,000 rooms; and 470,000 sf of meeting and event space including Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center; National Harbor Marina; Tanger Outlets; destination resort MGM National Harbor opening in the fourth quarter of 2016; the National Harbor Carousel and the iconic Capital Wheel, where visitors can take in the view from more than 180 feet in the air.
All of this is situated on the banks of the historic Potomac River where National Harbor also hosts all types of special events, concerts and programs throughout the year. Located in Maryland, the community works closely with the Prince George’s Conference & Visitors Bureau as well as Maryland Tourism, and due to close proximity to Washington, DC and Alexandria, Virginia, they also work with Destination D.C. and Visit Alexandria and other tourism organizations throughout the region. “With our unique location, we have the good fortune of having many great convention and visitors bureaus nearby to work with to help grow visitation to the Capital area region,” Gudenberg added.
Bill Boasberg, general manager of MGM National Harbor, said, “National Harbor is a superb location that will provide our guests with extensive amenities that complement what will be offered at our resort, as well as convenient access to explore the best of the greater DMV region.”
Patrick Chaffin, senior vice president of asset management for Ryman Hospitality Properties Inc., which owns the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, added, “Collectively, the CVA will work together to provide an unmatched visitor experience. Our world-class Gaylord National convention center resort coupled with a multitude of dining and shopping options, and now the added benefit of the MGM casino, make National Harbor unlike any destination on the East Coast.”
The National Harbor CVA works with meeting and event planners, travel groups and individuals throughout the year in creating a variety of itineraries and packages. “We’re here to ensure that everyone who visits National Harbor has the best possible experience,” said Gudenberg. The CVA is supported by the retail, restaurants and hotels at National Harbor with primary support from the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, MGM National Harbor and Tanger Outlets, Capital Wheel and Peterson Companies.