After recent reports, Athens County sees over $100 million in tourism revenue
Athens profits about the same amount as most Ohio counties its size in terms of tourism, according to a recent government report.
The county generated more than $100 million from tourists in 2013, according to a report by the Athens County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau that was presented at last week’s Athens City Council meeting.
Athens County is in the middle quintile when it comes to tourism sales statewide, with a total of $139.1 million generated annually by local tourism, according to the report.
Athens County generated about $35 million through retail trade alone in 2013 and food and beverage sales reached almost $30 million through local businesses.
Athens City Council President Chris Knisely said Athens’ geography, music endeavors and the “unique balance of people that live in the area” were cited as reasons for attracting tourism dollars.
Hocking County is also in the middle quintile for tourism revenue.
Lodging generated $15 million for Athens in 2013.
A new hotel is being built on East State Street and is expected to open by spring to cater to graduating students and their families, said Paige Alost, executive director of the Athens County Convention Visitors Bureau.
“We turn down a lot of tourism business in Athens County due to lack of lodging,” Alost said. “The new hotel will give us 750 extra rooms for tourists to stay in.”
Demand for hotel rooms — and rates — also increased.
Most tourists visiting Ohio spend the most on transportation, according to the report.
In Athens County, transportation made $10 million in 2013, though that revenue did not come close to the amount of money that retail, food and beverage and lodging made the same year.
The Destination Marketing Organization, a part of the bureau, is responsible for making Athens County marketable and appealing to tourists, according to the report.
The report added that the ultimate goal is for Athens tourists to make an overnight stay and spend money on local goods that include a sales tax while in Athens County.
Wendy Jakmas, president of the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce, attributed the county’s success in tourism revenue to the diligence of the visitors bureau with its marketing efforts, and professional connections at tourism-related events in Ohio.
“The primary mission is to solicit and service individuals and groups to engage in visitor promotions,” according to the report.
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