Today, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Development Secretary Lydia Mihalik joined approximately 120 travel and tourism industry partners on the lawn of the Ohio Statehouse to support the continued growth of the tourism industry in Ohio. Celebrated success.
Surpassing previous records, tourism now boasts an all-time economic impact of more than $56 billion annually.
“Visit Day is a great opportunity to celebrate and promote the diverse attractions and destinations that make our state a great place to visit and raise a family,” said Governor DeWine. “The tourism industry is a significant contributor to Ohio’s economy and helps Ohio’s people, businesses and communities thrive.”
In 2023, the number of visitors to Ohio will reach 238 million, an increase of 5 million compared to 2022. The number of overnight guests reached 48 million, and 84% of those guests said they were likely to visit Ohio again within the next 12 months.
Tourist activity supported $4.6 billion in state and local tax revenue. The tourism industry also directly and indirectly supports more than 436,000 jobs in Ohio, including food, recreation, entertainment, retail, trade and lodging industries.
Check out all that’s happening right here in your Logan County home here.
Ohio’s tourism industry has grown significantly since the DeWine Husted administration took office. Total visitor spending increased by more than 16%, from $48 billion in 2019 to $56 billion in 2023.
“Tourism is about more than beautiful scenery and exciting adventures; it’s about people,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Department of Development, which oversees the Ohio Tourism Authority. She said, “It’s about helping Ohioans realize their dreams, grow their businesses, and create unforgettable experiences for visitors. Tourism highlights the heart and soul of our communities.”
Visitors to this year’s Tourism Day event were encouraged to plan their next Ohio adventure with the help of travel and tourism representatives from all five regions of the state. Attendees learned about Ohio’s unique destinations, sampled Ohio-grown products, took photos with mascots, and enjoyed live entertainment.
“We have a great story to tell here in Ohio, and thanks to the dedication and support of partners like those with us today, we can share it widely and bring even more to our beautiful state.” We can now welcome visitors,” said Sarah Wickham with the province. Tourism director. “Visit Day is a great opportunity for us to show why Ohio is truly at the center of everything we do, and we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate what makes our state special.” There is nothing to do.”
The Ohio Department of Tourism also announced the 2024 Summer Event Guide at the event. The guide features his five events for each of Ohio’s 88 counties and is currently available for download at Ohio.org.
