Ohio tourism spending rose in 2015

Tourism spending in Ohio continued to increase last year, reaching $42 billion, according to data released Wednesday by TourismOhio.
Ohio saw an estimated 207 million visits from travelers last year, up from 200 million the previous year and 181 million in 2011. The state tourism office said visitor spending has increased by 27 percent in the past 5 years, since 2011.

The number of tourism supported jobs also has climbed steadily, reaching 420,000 last year, up from 412,000 in 2014.

The data does not reflect any impact of TourismOhio's new marketing campaign, as it was unveiled this spring after the period studied. The 'Ohio: Find it Here" campaign is the agency's first new marketing effort in two years, and the first under the leadership of tourism director Mary Cusick.

TourismOhio received a funding boost to $10 million a year in the state budget several years ago, which will be up for renewal or review by the next budget cycle.

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