Publisher

TourismOhio TourismOhio seeks to tell the story of what makes Ohio experiences unique and unforgettable. We provide support to Ohio tourism industries as they share their stories through PR, marketing, advertising, and social media channels. Tourism is a key economic driver for Ohio, and our team works to promote the state as premiere travel destination, focusing on the people, places, and spaces that make Ohio great. TourismOhio strives to inform and inspire each person within our borders and beyond to discover all Ohio has to offer. Funding TourismOhio now has twice the funding available as compared to previous years, to help promote the state’s travel experiences. The funding model for marketing Ohio is based on the growth of spending within tourism industries. It is performance-based and depends on the increase in sales tax year to year, up to $10 million. The model is set up as a 5-year pilot funding model beginning in Fiscal Year 2014. Economic Impact Tourism is a major economic driver for the state and is a $36 billion industry. In 2012, Ohio welcomed nearly 190 million visitors, most of which are within a day’s drive (300-500 miles). Ohio has seen a steady increase in visitor spending since 2009. According to the Ohio Department of Taxation, there has been a 4.7 percent increase (up by roughly $35 million) in tourism-related sales tax from 2012 to 2013. Overnight visitors to Ohio spend 3 times as much as day visitor. Daytrip visitors spend an estimated $108 per person, while overnight visitors spend an estimated $321 per person.