Hamilton County’s visitor economy generated $7.4 billion in total economic impact, fueled by $4.5 billion in direct visitor spending, based on the latest Tourism Economics analysis.
Direct visitor spending in Hamilton County rose 2.7% from the previous year and supported 48,365 full- and part-time jobs, according to a community announcement. Tourism also generated more than $1 billion in federal, state and local tax revenue.
“The strength of Hamilton County’s visitor economy comes from the people who make this region a place others want to visit,” said Julie Kirkpatrick, interim president and CEO of Visit Cincy. “Their work supports local businesses, creates jobs, and helps tourism deliver meaningful benefits throughout the community.”
The report
found visitor spending produced another $2.8 billion in economic activity through local supply chains and spending by workers whose income is tied to tourism, bringing total labor income to $2.5 billion.
Food and beverage businesses accounted for the largest share of visitor-supported jobs, followed by recreation and entertainment, retail, transportation and lodging. More than 34,000 jobs were supported directly by visitor spending, with nearly 14,000 additional positions linked to supply chain and household spending.
Tourism generated $513 million in state and local tax revenue, including $228 million in local taxes. Without that revenue, the average Hamilton County household would pay an estimated $1,446 more annually to generate the same level of state and local revenue.
Hamilton County accounts for more than 43% of direct visitor spending in Southwest Ohio, making it the region’s largest visitor economy.
This story was created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Hamilton County tourism generates $7.4B economic impact
