COLUMBUS – The take from convention and tourism business in Columbus is nearly into 11 figures.
Visitors to central Ohio in 2015 pumped an estimated $6.4 billion into a sector of the local economy that accounts for $9.7 billion annually, according to a report from Oxford Economics and Longwoods International released Wednesday by Experience Columbus.
The report says 39.3 million people visited central Ohio in 2015, either on daytrips or overnight, for business and pleasure, taking in events like the NHL All-Star Weekend (pictured above), Ohio State sports, the Arnold Sports Festival, or visiting the Short North arts district, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium or Hollywood Casino Columbus.
“The data tell the story. Tourism is a big part of Greater Columbus’ economy,” said Brian Ross, Experience Columbus president and CEO. “We have the ability to greatly impact the city’s economic prosperity and quality of life by increasing direct spend, job creation and revenue through bringing more leisure visitors, conventions, meetings and sporting events to the city.”
The activity indicated the activity is on the rise, with increases of 4.0 percent in the number of overnight visits and a 3.0 percent hike in daytrips.
The $6.4 billion spent by the visitors contributed to the overall economic impact of $9.7 billion, which is a 12 percent increase from 2013.
The businesses catering to visitors employ 5.0 percent more workers than in 2013. Tourism provides one in every 12 jobs in Franklin County, according to the report.
Visitors to Franklin County generated $1.13 billion in local, state and federal tax revenue, which provides $2,384 in annual tax savings to county residents.