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 Tourism Economy Holds Steady in 2008
Ohio Tourism generates $39 billion in total sales; $2.7 billion for state, local tax coffers
6/22/2009
CONTACT:
Tamara Brown at (614) 466-8591
Kelly Schlissberg at (614) 466-4133
COLUMBUS, Ohio (June 22, 2009) - State Tourism Director Amir Eylon today announced that Ohio's tourism industry sustained nearly 452,000 full time equivalent jobs with a total income of $10.5 billion and increased total sales by 2.3 percent to approximately $39 billion in 2008 according to research conducted by Tourism Economics and Longwoods International on behalf of the Ohio Tourism Division.
The research study also indicates that Ohio's tourism industry accounted for an estimated $2.7 billion in state and local taxes in 2008, an increase of 2.3 percent over 2007.
"We are delighted to see growth in Ohio tourism sales and revenue for 2008 -- a sign that people are experiencing and sharing the Ohio story," Interim Development Department Director Lisa Patt-McDaniel said. "These findings illustrate the vibrant and diverse tourism attractions that Ohio has to offer."
Ohio recorded roughly 172 million visits in 2008 with nearly 35 million of those visits including an overnight stay.
"Increased spending on fuel and other transportation costs, combined with increased spending on recreation and entertainment, offset declines in the business travel sector," State Tourism Director Amir Eylon said.
An earlier study from Longwoods International revealed that the Ohio Tourism Division's 2008 paid consumer marketing efforts generated approximately $437 million in new visitor spending and brought Ohio a return on investment of $12 in state and local taxes for every $1 invested in tourism.
"With travelers even more focused on regional travel, there is greater opportunity for us to increase leisure travel volume with good marketing messages," Eylon said.
About the Ohio Tourism Division (
www.DiscoverOhio.com)
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 $39 billion in sales in visitor spending in 2008. 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.
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