As summer nears and calendars begin filling with weekend getaways, community festivals, and family road trips, it’s the perfect time to recognize a vital force driving local prosperity: tourism. While often associated with leisure, hospitality, and scenic views, the tourism industry is far more than a vacation planner’s playground–it’s a powerful economic engine that fuels jobs, small businesses, infrastructure investment, and quality of life in our communities. In fact, tourism may be one of the most overlooked drivers of economic development.

In Ohio alone, tourism is a $70.7 billion industry that supports over 523,000 jobs, according to the 2023 Economic Impact Report by Tourism Economics. These jobs span a wide spectrum: from hotel staff and tour guides to marketing professionals, small shop owners, and museum docents. Visitors to Ohio generated $56 billion in spending, driven by 238 million visits–190 million day trips and 48 million overnight stays. These visits also generated $4.6 billion in state and local taxes, reducing the financial burden on residents by helping fund infrastructure, education, health, and public safety services.

When a visitor stops in a small town, fills up their gas tank, eats at a local diner, and shops downtown, they leave a trail of economic benefit. That impact doesn’t stop with the business owner–it reaches the farmer supplying ingredients, the delivery driver bringing inventory, and the high school student working their first job.

Communities that prioritize tourism development often reap broader rewards. Investments in beautification, signage, walkable downtowns, and public art not only attract visitors but also enhance residents’ quality of life. A great example locally is the work being done in Historic Downtown Barnesville to become a Main Street America community. Trails and parks like Barkcamp State Park are built for outdoor enthusiasts but also serve as everyday assets for local families. Historic restorations–like the preservation of the Great Stone Viaduct in Bellaire–not only attract heritage travelers but also protect our past for future generations.

The work our tourism office does to promote Belmont County is not just about showcasing what we have–it’s about how well we tell our story. Strategic tourism marketing plays a critical role in shaping perceptions, attracting visitors, and ultimately encouraging business growth. When people see a vibrant, well-promoted destination that reflects community pride, it improves quality of life for everyone.

According to the 2023 Economic Impact Report, Belmont County’s total tourism economic impact reached $281 million–a 10% increase from 2021. Direct visitor spending alone rose to $170 million, marking a 16% increase. These figures translate into real benefits for residents: tourism generated $36 million in total tax revenue, including $18 million in state and local taxes. Local tax revenues increased to $8 million, providing $716 in tax burden relief per household–up from $676 in 2021. But, tourism in Belmont County doesn’t just bring in dollars–it creates jobs and sustains businesses. We rank second in Ohio tourism business sales among 18 counties in the Southeast Ohio region and ninth among 32 counties in the Appalachian region.

Starting Sunday May 4th through May 10th we will be celebrating National Travel and Tourism Week. It’s a moment to recognize the storytellers, small business owners, hospitality workers, event organizers, and destination marketers who work hard to put our communities on the map. It’s also a reminder that tourism is not a luxury–it’s a vital part of building vibrant, thriving places to live and visit. National Travel and Tourism Week was established in 1983, to celebrate the U.S. travel community and travel’s essential role in stimulating economic growth, cultivating vibrant communities, creating quality job opportunities, inspiring new businesses, and elevating the quality of life for Americans every day. 

So how can you help? It’s easy: support local. Visit a museum you’ve never explored. Shop small when you can. Share a favorite local attraction on social media. And perhaps most importantly–be proud of where you live. Belmont County is a friendly, beautiful place, and when locals show love for their hometown, visitors take notice! To learn more and find out about all the upcoming events happening in Belmont County, go to our website at visitbelmontcounty.com.