Tourism is a Revenue Generator for Ohio

The State of Ohio has not yet taken full advantage of the economic benefits of tourism promotion.  While our neighboring states fiercely compete for the attention of travelers, Ohio is losing market share, jobs, and tax revenue.  Among adjacent states and key competitors, Ohio ranks sixth behind IL, PA, WV, MI and KY.  Ohio ’s operating budget for tourism promotion is $6.8 million per year.  The average state spends twice as much to lure visitors.  Why?  Tourism promotion provides lucrative benefits for state and local governments. 

The tax revenue tourism promotion yields, can help pay for other high-priority government programs.  The return on investment (ROI) is short-term, with returns occurring within a year of marketing expenditures. 

A recent analysis of Ohio ’s potential revenue showed the state could earn $177 million per year on a $25 million investment in the marketing efforts of the Ohio Division of Travel & Tourism.  Local governments would earn an additional $86 million under the same scenario.  The full report and methodology is available at www.tourismcreatesjobs.com