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Community Impact - 1903x679

Community Impact

The local travel economy is vital to Central Ohio. It fuels the local economy, employs residents, generates revenue, and provides funding that has a direct impact on economic and human development.

Continue below to learn more and why Experience Columbus, the destination marketing organization for the Columbus region, is dedicated to growing visitor spending and enhancing the visitor experience.

WATCH: The Impact of Travel

Tourism...

Fuels the Economy

In 2024, visitors made 53.2 million trips to Greater Columbus, a 2 million increase from the previous year. Visitors directly spent $8.2 billion at local businesses, including restaurants, boutiques and more.

Employs Residents

The travel and tourism sector supports over 82,500 jobs in Columbus and Franklin County — that’s 1 in every 13 jobs and enough to more than fill Nationwide Arena, Lower.com Field, Schottenstein Center and Huntington Park combined.

Generates Revenue

The travel economy generates revenue for vital city and county needs. In fact, local, state and federal tax revenue generated by visitors to Franklin County is estimated at $1.63 billion, and 90% of visitor spending comes from 50 miles or more outside of Columbus.

Creates Return on Investment

Bed tax collections in 2024 brought in nearly $60 million and benefited various community organizations, including the Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority, Experience Columbus, the Greater Columbus Sports Commission, Greater Columbus Arts Council, more than 45 human services and the Affordable Housing Trust.

For every $1 invested in Experience Columbus and the Greater Columbus Sports Commission, we deliver nearly $14 in return.

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