Conventions Matter

fuels the economy

Greater Columbus welcomes 43 million visitors each year and those visitors directly spend $7.6 billion.

employs residents

The tourism sector supports nearly 78,600 jobs in Columbus and Franklin County - that's 1 in every 12 jobs and enough to more than fill Nationwide Arena, the Schottenstein Center, MAPFRE Stadium and Huntington Park.

enhances quality of life

The tourism industry 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 $1.35 billion. The City and County hotel bed tax was a record $49.7 million in 2019. Bed tax revenue supports not only Experience Columbus and the Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority, but also the Greater Columbus Arts Council, the Emergency Human Services and the Affordable Housing Trust.

return on investment

The top five industry sectors that benefit from visitor spending: