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Tourism spending
jumps to $74 million annually
GREENVILLE, OH – The Darke County Visitors Bureau released the results
of the recently received 2017 Tourism Economic Report, commissioned by
the Bureau and the state of Ohio and compiled by Tourism Economics, a
division of Oxford Economics Company. The report showed total tourism
spending in the county reached $73.8 million in 2017, a 12.6% increase
from 2013 ($65.5 million).
“We’re very pleased with these numbers,” said Matt Staugler, executive
director of the Darke County Visitors Bureau. “Tourism continues to be
a big driver of the economy locally, and these numbers back up those
statements. The more effort we put into bringing people to the county
to experience our attractions, restaurants, hotels, and events mean
more money being spent with local small businesses and more tax revenue
for local governments.”
The report indicated 5.8% of private employment in the county is
sustained by tourism (over 1,300 jobs), and tourism generated over $1.8
million in local tax revenue. Some of the local industries impacted the
most by tourism include retail trade ($15.5 million in direct sales),
food & beverage ($13.5 million in direct sales), and recreation
& entertainment ($8.5 million). Statewide, Ohio attracted over 219
million visits to the state, and visitor spending rose to $35.2 billion.
“As we continue to see a tightening labor market and an overall robust
economy, investing more in destination marketing and branding will not
only help to continue the upward momentum of visitor spending, but can
also help set Darke County apart in the minds of people who could
potentially move to and invest in Darke County,” continued Staugler.
“The places that are seeing the most dynamic growth in Ohio are those
that have placed the most emphasis on building unique experiences for
people to have in their cities and communities.”
The full report can be requested from the Darke County Visitors Bureau
by calling the Welcome Center at 937-548-5158, or stopping by in person
to pick up a copy. More information on the Bureau can be found at
www.visitdarkecounty.org.
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