Stats show state’s tourism push brought record results in ’17

Wednesday was a perfect day to celebrate Ohio tourism.

Under warm, sunny skies, tourism leaders took to the west lawn of the Statehouse to announce record numbers of visits and visitor spending last year. Meanwhile, passers-by flocked to booths set up by tourist attractions from around the state.

TourismOhio leaders said the state drew 219 million tourism visits in 2017, up from 212 million the previous year, and saw direct spending rise by $1 billion to $35 billion.

Tourism employment grew slightly along with the industry: 428,000 jobs are now supported by tourism, an increase of 1,000 over 2016, according to state leaders.

“We’re going into the second full year of the ‘Ohio. Find it here.’ campaign. ... It’s creating a positive image and an emotional connection with travelers,” said TourismOhio director Matt MacLaren at Ohio Tourism Day at the Statehouse.

MacLaren said the uptick comes from a combination of factors. Major draws such as Cedar Point and the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium continue adding attractions. At the same time, there is heightened interest among travelers to seek out small attractions.

Also, he said, cities including Columbus are bringing in more meeting and event business, which added to the record numbers.

MacLaren said the biggest area of opportunity for Ohio is increasing the number of overnight visitors — who spend more than daytrippers — to the state by extending tourism advertising into neighboring states.