Throughout 2019 the Greater Columbus tourism economy continued to grow, seeing increases in number of visitors, amount of money spent and jobs supported. 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 2019:
The top five industry sectors benefitting from visitor spending include: retail, food and beverage, transportation, entertainment and lodging.
Experience Columbus commissions a yearly visitor profile study from Longwoods International. The organization receives a biennial report on visitor economic impact from Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics company focusing on the intersection of the economy and travel sector. Find out more about the full economic impact of the tourism industry here.
“It’s clear that visitors have significant impact on our local economy,” said Brian Ross, OSAE member and Experience Columbus president and CEO. “The money spent by convention attendees, sports fans and leisure visitors at local businesses contributes to our city’s economic prosperity and residents’ quality of life by increasing direct spend, job creation and tax revenue. These numbers underscore the importance of safely reopening our community so we can begin welcoming back visitors so vital to our city’s welfare.”
While COVID-19 has had devastating effects on the tourism economy, Experience Columbus launched the Live Forward campaign in May to help rebuild the tourism economy. As health and safety continues to be a priority for travelers, nearly 200 businesses have taken the Live Forward Pledge, committing to follow measures outlined by local, state and federal health authorities while operating throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.