The Ross-Chillicothe Convention & Visitors Bureau received the biennial Economic Impact of Tourism study that was completed by Tourism Economic, an Oxford Economics Company. This study reviews the impact that tourism has on counties throughout Ohio and reports on direct & indirect sales and employment related to the tourism sector.
Findings within the report continues to support that tourism is an “integral and driving component of the Ross County economy.” Tourism sustains 8.7% of private employment and supports one in every eleven jobs within the county. Direct results of tourism on employment has increased by 2% since the previous study in 2016. This indicates that area lodging facilities, attractions, retail and food industry continues to grow their workforce to support the demand from tourism.
In addition, tourism in Ross County has generated over $167 million through direct and indirect sales. Direct sales generated an increase of $8.7 million when compared to the previous study. This direct impact reflects sales in retail, recreation & entertainment, lodging and food & beverages to name a few. Indirectly it touches a multitude of sectors from agriculture to construction to transportation. Ross County contributes $21.7 million in taxes generated from tourism. This include many forms of taxes from income tax to sales tax.
Without tourism in Ohio, residents would have to pay an additional $725 annually in taxes to maintain the current level of government services. The study indicates that Ross County is in the middle quintile when compared to all counties in Ohio. The report continues to show growth through each issue of the study. It is expected that Ross County tourism will continue to grow and move closer to the top quintile as Hopewell Culture National Historical Park continues its efforts to achieve World Heritage Inscription and other tourism experiences become available in Ross County