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Columbus Tour Industry Grows

October 15, 2014

Tourism is big business in Central Ohio, and it’s continuing to grow, pump more dollars into the economy and create jobs. Today, Experience Columbus and the Greater Columbus Sports Commission released data from an extensive study on the impact of the tourism and hospitality industry in Columbus and Franklin County.
According to industry-leading researchers at Oxford Economics and Longwoods International, in 2013:
· Central Ohio welcomed 37.6 million day and overnight leisure visitors, sports and arts enthusiasts, convention attendees and business travelers.
· Visitor spending helped support $8.7 billion in economic impact – an 11 percent increase from 2011. Direct visitor spend totaled $5.7 billion – a 12 percent increase from 2011.
· Businesses serving the visitor industry support over 71,000 jobs in Columbus and Franklin County – a 17 percent increase from 2011. Tourism provides one in every 11 jobs in Franklin County.
· Of Central Ohio’s 37.6 million visitors, 33.2 million came for a leisure purpose.
The top five industry sectors benefitting from visitor spending include: Retail; Food and Beverage; Transportation; Attractions, Recreation and Entertainment; and Lodging.
Percentage of Tourism Sales
Retail 23%
Food & Beverage 16%
Transportation 14%
Attractions, Recreation and Entertainment 10%
Lodging 8%
Number of Jobs
Food & Beverage 22, 656
Attractions, Recreation and Entertainment 10,044
Transportation 8,971
Retail 8,667
Lodging 7,885
Find out more at Experience Columbus
The Arena District is downtown Columbus’ most popular neighborhood featuring sports, entertainment, food and drink, and the best in residential living options. In the heart of the District is Nationwide Arena, home of the Columbus Blue Jackets, Huntington Park where the AAA baseball Columbus Clippers play, the LC Pavilion featuring indoor and outdoor concerts, numerous hotels, a major movie theatre, an athletic club, and dozens of bars and restaurants. A trip to the District means must-see live music, incredible restaurants, friendly bars, and mind-blowing entertainment any night of the week. Check our events and blog to see what’s happening this week in the District!