2023 was a year to remember in Belmont County!

From the Barnesville Pumpkin Festival to the Belmont County Fair, to historic landmarks and museums, to our beautiful outdoor recreation areas, we welcomed thousands of visitors into Belmont County this past year.

The tourism office is funded through the bed tax collected by Belmont County and in 2023 saw an increase in collections over the past year, returning to pre-pandemic levels. We use the collected bed tax to reinvest into our area by attracting and bringing more visitors to Belmont County and supporting local businesses and events. The tourism office is so proud to be a community partner, resource and here to help promote all the happenings of Belmont County.

The Tourism office plays a key role marketing our area. Each year we publish a visitor’s guide used to promote the best of Belmont County. We print 15,000 copies that are distributed throughout the state and region. Visitor guides are also requested through our website, and in 2023 we saw a 56% increase in online requests. This 50-plus page magazine gives visitors a highlight of our area businesses, attractions and events by using real photos of our residents and our beautiful landscapes as the backdrop. Our visitor’s guide shows off what makes Belmont County unique.

Travel trends for 2024 are indicating a monumental year ahead for travel. According to the 2024 Travel Trend Report conducted by Wakefield Research, nearly 90% of Americans are planning to travel in 2024 as much as they did in 2023, including nearly half of them who plan to increase their travel plans. Nearly 60% are planning road trips in the next 12 months, and travelers plan to visit off-the-beaten-path destinations to avoid large tourist attractions and crowds. 2024 looks to be the year Americans prioritize ease, quality time, well-being and restoration while traveling. And lucky for us, Belmont County is positioned well to accommodate just that!

Belmont County is known for its small-town hospitality and friendly, laid-back atmosphere. Our towns have been able to retain their strong values, historic character and build upon them over the years. Our rich history and heritage are carried through and celebrated at events and festivals every year. These events connect our residents with visitors, while keeping old traditions alive, showing off what makes our beautiful communities so unique and building a stronger sense of community pride.

We are friendly, beautiful Belmont County.

The tourism office is proud to be a community partner and here to help promote all the upcoming events. If you are planning events for 2024, please share the information with us by using the calendar event submission form on our website at visitbelmontcounty.com.

I am optimistic about the future of Belmont County and looking forward to an exciting and even bigger and better 2024!

Each month this space will be devoted to a column written by Jackee Pugh, executive director of the Belmont County Tourism Council. She will provide information about the tourism office, local attractions, upcoming events, and other local finds in Belmont County. She will share information about the travel and tourism industry and how it impacts our local economy.