Columbus was a popular destination last year.
Experience Columbus reported on Thursday that the greater Columbus area had a record 51.2 million visitors in 2023, up from 49.6 visitors in 2022.
A Tourism Economics study showed the travel industry supports more than 82,500 jobs in Columbus and Franklin County. Visitors spent about $8.2 billion at local businesses last year and generated around $1.6 billion in local, state and federal tax revenue.
Longwoods International’s research for Experience Columbus shows that about 80% of visitors come to Columbus for day trips. The average visitor age is 46, and the most popular reason to visit is to see family and friends. Visitors also report traveling to the area for business and special events. Around 84% of visitors come back.
The busiest travel season is right now – April through June, followed closely by July through September. Around 46% of visitors seek out entertainment, while 32% say they head outdoors and 23% come for cultural activities.
Alongside tourism data, Experience Columbus announced a new brand campaign called “yes, Columbus.”
Experience Columbus President and CEO Brian Ross said the campaign came from research that showed Ohioans were aware of Columbus, but only about 13% of visitors outside the state were familiar with the city.
Ross said the campaign, “aims to surprise visitors by sharing the amazing and sometimes unexpected accolades Columbus has been quietly stacking up in recent years.”
