Richland County Commissioners convene to discuss tourism

On Jan. 6, 2022 The Richland County Board of Commissioners convened to discuss tourism.

Lee Tasseff, President of Destination Mansfield Richland County, joined the board to discuss tourism.

“All tourism businesses are small businesses,” Tasseff said. “There are no large conglomerates here in Richland County. It doesn’t happen that way.”

Tasseff explained to the board that year 2021 was “way better” than year 2020. He continued by saying “It’s still not where we want to be.”

“Tourism matters,” he said. “It matters to the economy a great deal.” Tasseff stated that tourism jobs are of great significance in northeast Ohio.

Commissioner Tony Vero asked “what would be some reason that you see as an expert in this field that Richland County does so well in the tourism side?”

“The development of our tourism product over the last 30 years far exceeds some other places,” Tasseff said.

“Our product is very diverse. Our product fit what everyone was looking for,” Tasseff said. “Relax, renew rejuvenate.”

Commissioner Darrell Banks said “I’ve been involved in this industry you represent since 1972.”

“We’ve got one of the best DMOS. Destination Marketing Organization,” Banks said. “As a tour operator, I dealt with DMOS all over the eastern part of the country.”

“2020 was a lousy year. Our spending was down 15.3%” Tasseff said. “The state was off 24.5% and the country was off a little over 40%.”

Tasseff said people crave tourism. “That industry actually does help bring people together because you want to explore, and learn and go.” He noted it makes them “better people.”

A new visitor guide is being developed, Tasseff said. He followed by saying “it is going to be built from the ground up.”

The board then went into executive session.