The Ross-Chillicothe Convention & Visitors Bureau is working to reassess its marketing plan and programs for 2020 to ensure that its efforts are most effective following the COVID-19 crisis. Although the local tourism sector has seen impacts due to the Coronavirus, the Bureau is hopeful that it will be a short-term impact during the spring season and will allow tourism to begin its rebound during the summer.
As part of this positioning, the Bureau has had to make the difficult decision to cancel two of its programs for 2020. The affected programs include the annual Promotional Assistance Program and the yearly Tourism Banquet & Pineapple Awards.The cancellation of these programs was not taken lightly, and the Bureau is confident that both will be reestablished next year. The funding allocated for these programs will be used to promote and encourage tourism to Ross County to attract visitors to the area and improve the economic impact experienced through the COVID-19 crisis.Although the Bureau is unable to fund these programs, it is dedicated to helping its partners and event organizers in multiple ways to help promote their attraction and events through its online calendar of events, social media outlets, sharing press releases, and by submitting events to publications. These methods of promotion are offered at no cost to the Bureau’s partners.
The Bureau would also like to remind and encourage residents and visitors to explore the beautiful, natural assets that Ross County possesses during these trying times. To clarify Governor Dewine’s “Stay at Home” Order, outdoor recreation is permitted and encouraged if the physical distancing continues to be observed. If you’re unsure of what outdoor locations are available, the Bureau’s website can help identify these areas that include the National Park, five State Parks along with many County and City Parks. While visiting these parks, it is advised to avoid contact with the playground equipment as a COVID-19 precaution.
In compliance with Governor Dewine’s order, the Bureau staff are working remotely but can still be reached by calling (740) 702-7677, through email at info@visitchillicotheohio.com, and will also be monitoring its social media outlets to address any questions. Once this order is lifted, the Bureau staff will be back in the office and ready to assist visitors in-person. During this time, the Bureau’s lobby remains available and stocked with information on Ross County.