DARKE COUNTY TOURISM GENERATES $58 MILLION IN 2009

The Darke County Visitors Bureau today released data detailing the economic impact of tourism in Darke County for 2009. This information is a result of an integrated consumer-based research study organized by the Ohio Department of Development’s Tourism Division and conducted by Longwoods International and Tourism Economics. The Darke County Visitors Bureau is one of 53 county/city convention and visitors bureaus, cities and economic development boards that took part in the study.

“Visitor spending and employment figures are essential factors to consider when evaluating the importance of travel and tourism to Darke County’s economy,” Deanna York, Executive Director of the Darke County Visitors Bureau said. “We also must consider the indirect benefits that result from this important industry. By shaping the quality of our lives, leisure destinations play an important role in shaping our climate for business.”

According to the report, Darke County’s tourism industry contributed more than $7.7 million in local taxes; generated $57.6 million in sales for local businesses; and sustained more than 1,426 local jobs in 2009.

For the State of Ohio:

• Tourism contributed more than $2.5 billion in combined state and local taxes;
• Visitor spending of $23 billion generated $36 billion in sales for Ohio businesses;

Darke CountyTourism Economic Impact Results

• More than 437,000 jobs were sustained by visitors to Ohio in 2009 with total income of $10 billion;
• Overnight leisure trips grew 6 percent in 2009 over 2008; and
• Overnight leisure regional market share grew 5 percent in 2009 over 2008.

The research model, which has a sample size of 200,000 consumers, provides detailed information on the Ohio tourism industry, including economic impact, visitor profile, image, advertising awareness/effectiveness and return on investment.

“This model helps us measure the importance of tourism to the state’s economy, while capturing critical visitor profile information that will assist the Division with its marketing efforts,” said State Tourism Director Amir Eylon.

The Ohio Tourism Division is housed within the Ohio Department of Development. The mission of the Division is to enhance the economic health of Ohio through marketing the state’s unique travel and tourism brand and quality of life attributes. This is accomplished through marketing Ohio's numerous and varied travel sites, destinations and attractions to potential travelers.