COLUMBUS, Ohio — It is a multi-billion dollar industry in Ohio with a focus on fun, and state leaders are celebrating the attractions and events that make the state great ahead of the summer travel season.

What You Need To Know

  • Events and attractions from each county shared displays outside the statehouse for Ohio Tourism Day Tuesday 

  • The event was a one-stop shop for finding summer fun, giving visitors a chance to learn more about things to do in Ohio

  • In 2023, tourism drew about 238 million out-of-state visitors and $56 billion dollars to Ohio

Gov. Mike DeWine and first lady Fran DeWine greeted guests at Ohio Tourism Day. The event brought together about 120 different destinations representing every county for an information fair outside the statehouse Tuesday.

The event also gave small businesses, like Bears Bagels in Hilliard and Young’s Jersey Dairy in Yellow Springs, a chance to show why people should make plans to visit their community.

New numbers announced by the Ohio Department of Development show a greater economic impact from tourism than ever before, drawing 238 million out-of-state visitors and $56 billion dollars in 2023.

Just in time for summer, the Department of Development released a new Ice Cream Trail that includes 54 Ohio-made scoop shops, and the 2024 Ohio Summer Events guide is packed with more than 400 things to check out, something in all 88 counties.