TourismOhio reports 212 million visits to the state in 2016, a new record

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Ohio attracted a record 212 million visits in 2016, for a seventh consecutive year of tourism growth.
Visits to the state in 2016 increased 2.4 percent over the year before, up from 207 million visits in 2015. Direct visitor spending also increased, to an estimated $34 billion in 2016, an increase of $1 billion from 2015.

Mary Cusick, director of TourismOhio, said she was pleased with the numbers. "It's consistent growth. And we really think it's sustainable growth," she said.

TourismOhio, the state's tourism bureau, released its 2016 economic impact report on Wednesday, part of a celebration of Ohio Tourism Day in Columbus. Representatives from more than 60 Ohio destinations and attractions were promoting Buckeye state experiences on the Ohio Statehouse lawn from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. today.

Cusick attributed part of the visitation growth to the state's new branding and advertising campaign, which launched in March 2016. The $5 million campaign last year promoted the new "Find It Here" brand, which was developed in 2015.

"People are beginning to be aware of it, and our partners are embracing it," she said.

Longwoods International, based in Toronto, conducted research for the study, in partnership with Tourism Economics.

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