Sandusky County tops Ohio in percentage growth in tourism dollars

Rebecca Brooks, Fremont News-Messenger
·2 min read

A new report reveals that Sandusky County has achieved the highest tourism sales growth in the state of Ohio between 2021 and 2023.

The economic impact report from Tourism Economics shows an increase in the county of 31.03% during that period. That performance is nearly double the reported statewide average of 16.86%.

Sandusky County is doing something right

"We are doing something right in Sandusky County," said David Thornbury, marketing director for the Sandusky County Visitors Bureau.

David Thornbury, marketing director for Sandusky County Visitors Bureau, credited tourism and other efforts in the county topping the state in highest tourism sales growth from 2021 to 2023.
David Thornbury, marketing director for Sandusky County Visitors Bureau, credited tourism and other efforts in the county topping the state in highest tourism sales growth from 2021 to 2023.

"We were number four in 2017," he also said. The report takes into account multiple economic factors — more than just tourism. But tourism in the county does play a factor, Thornbury said.

Economic Highlights for Northwest Ohio between 2021 to 2023 showed visitor spending in Northwest Ohio generated $9 billion in total sales. This spending supported a reported 73,081 jobs and generated $2.0 billion in income.

Tax revenues from visitor spending reached $1.1 billion.

The Sandusky County Rock and Awe Holiday Light Show at the Courthouse has been a draw to Fremont.
The Sandusky County Rock and Awe Holiday Light Show at the Courthouse has been a draw to Fremont.

County attracting bus travel companies

Sandusky County has added several new tourism attractions since 2021 including the Rock and Awe Holiday Light Show. The show draws thousands downtown, Thornbury said. The communities in the county have also worked to make improvements in various ways since 2021.

Thornbury also said the county has seen an increase in bus tours. Buses travel down the Ohio Turnpike heading for various destinations. Tours to the East Coast can make Sandusky County an overnight and one-day stop and break for customers.

"We have been effective in catching those groups," he said. The SCVB also has its Brenda Havens out promoting the county as a destination. Efforts have resulted in more than 100 buses making a stop in Sandusky County a year. "We try to put ourselves out there," Thornbury said.

The tourism bureau also is continuing to bring new groups to the county including the recent Ohio Ayrshire Breeders Association convention at the Sandusky County Fairgrounds in May.

"Sandusky County’s impressive growth in tourism sales is a testament to the county’s vibrant tourism industry and its appeal as a premier travel destination," Thornbury said. "Our community has worked tirelessly to enhance the visitor experience, and these efforts are clearly paying off."

Economic impact in Sandusky County at a glance

  • Total sales from visitor spending: $229.3 million

  • Jobs supported: 2,035

  • Total Labor Income Impact: $55.5 million

  • Tax revenues: $29 million

County growth rates in Northwest Ohio

  • Hancock County: +22.93%

  • Erie County: +19.42%

  • Van Wert County: +12.98%

  • Mercer County: +13.41%

  • Allen County: +11.09%

  • Fulton County: +10.86%

  • Wood County: +10.16%

  • Hardin County: +10.12%

  • Lucas County: +9.14%

  • Defiance County: +8.44%

  • Ottawa County: +4.17%

  • Putnam County: +2.47%

  • Wyandot County: +0.34%

  • Paulding County: -1.27%

  • Henry County: -1.95%

  • Huron County: +3.18%

  • Auglaize County: -3.16%

  • Seneca County: -3.44%

  • Crawford County: -3.57%

  • Williams County: -3.61%

rbrooks@gannett.com

419-334-1059

This article originally appeared on Fremont News-Messenger: Sandusky County tourism growth leads state