The Division of Travel and Tourism complies news releases on a regular basis, including monthly events releases, releases on a theme and Ohio tourism trends.
Ohio Launches New Web-based Tourism Toolbox
6/3/2009
CONTACT:
Tamara Brown at (614) 466-8591
COLUMBUS, Ohio (June 3, 2009) - A new Web-based tool designed to be a one-stop resource for starting, marketing and enhancing Ohio tourism businesses is now available.
The Ohio Tourism Toolbox, located at
http://ohiotourism.osu.edu/, supports the growth of the state's $38 billion tourism industry. The Web site was developed by Ohio State University Extension in a unique partnership with the Ohio Department of Development's Tourism Division and the Ohio Sea Grant College Program.
"We are excited to launch the Ohio Tourism Toolbox Web site because it adds a link in the chain that we have been missing - the connection for Ohio's tourism industry to additional resources beyond the Tourism Division," State Tourism Director Amir Eylon said. "While the Tourism Division provides numerous marketing opportunities and assistance, new businesses may benefit from the expertise of Ohio's Small Business Division or information on nature-based tourism from Ohio Sea Grant or the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and a variety of other sources. The Tourism Toolbox helps provide those crucial links."
The Ohio Tourism Toolbox provides Ohio's tourism industry and communities interested in new tourism endeavors with a localized, online resource center for information on a wide range of topics. Those topics include: starting a new tourism business/event; taking advantage of collaborative marketing opportunities; identifying emerging trends and using research data; connecting with local and state tourism entities; and creating new products to attract visitors interested in culinary tourism, nature-based tourism; and more.
"As Ohio's land-grant university and a flagship institution of higher learning, Ohio State University collaborates with many partners such as the Ohio Tourism Division to fuel ideas and innovations that help Ohio compete and thrive in our knowledge economy," said Keith Smith, OSU Extension Associate Vice President and Agricultural Administration Director. "OSU Extension brings the knowledge of the university to Ohioans so that they can use the scientifically based information to better their lives, businesses and communities."
The Ohio Tourism Toolbox is made possible through funding from OSU Extension's Community Development, the Ohio Department of Development's Tourism Division and OSU CARES, an initiative of OSU Extension and Ohio State University to expand faculty, staff and student partnerships with communities throughout Ohio.
"A host of Ohio Tourism Team members contributed their time and expertise to bring this project to life," said Julie Fox, OSU Extension Tourism Specialist and Ohio Tourism Team Leader. Additional collaborators and content providers for the Ohio Tourism Toolbox include Ohio State University Center for Consumer Service Excellence/College of Education and Human Ecology, the Ohio Travel Association, Ohio Department of Agriculture and Ohio Proud, the Ohio Restaurant Association, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and State Parks, Ohio University, Bowling Green State University and a growing list of team members from organizations, regional groups and stakeholders committed to the success of Ohio's tourism industry.
"The Toolbox will continue to evolve as industry professionals provide feedback and new and existing team members bring their ideas and resources together to benefit Ohio's tourism industry," Fox said. "We're working together to continue improving the visitor experience & growing Ohio's $38 billion tourism industry."
The Ohio Tourism Toolbox was recently launched to the tourism industry at a series of statewide Tourism Town Hall meetings held by the Ohio Tourism Division. The Ohio Tourism Team will continue to promote the Ohio Tourism Toolbox at industry events. To get involved or to get additional information, contact Julie Fox at
fox.264@osu.edu.
About the Ohio Tourism Division
The Ohio Tourism Division is the premier source of information for travelers and media about Ohio's vibrant tourism experiences, attractions, and economy. Division marketing programs contributed to an estimated $38 billion in visitor sales in 2007 and 454,000 jobs sustained by visitors to the state. A part of the Ohio Department of Development, the Division's mission is to promote and celebrate Ohio's unique travel opportunities and market the state's outstanding quality of life. (
www.DiscoverOhio.com)
About Ohio State University Extension
Ohio State University Extension delivers targeted, relevant, research-based information and programs to meet the needs of Ohioan at a local level. OSU Extension connects with people in all stages of life, from young children to older adults. The organization works with families and children, farmers and business owners, community leaders and elected officials to build better lives, better businesses, and better communities to make Ohio great. (
http://ohiotourism.osu.edu/)
About Ohio Sea Grant College Program
Ohio Sea Grant is a statewide program based at Ohio State University that supports greater knowledge and stewardship of Lake Erie and the Great Lakes through research, education and outreach. It is part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Sea Grant College Program, which includes 32 state programs located in every coastal and Great Lakes state and Puerto Rico. (
http://www.ohioseagrant.osu.edu)
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