Greene joins Cuyahoga, Franklin, Hamilton, and Summit in boosting the Ohio tourism industry and delivering new expectation during the US Labor Day holiday weekend, and this latest update you need to know highlights why the state is thriving. Greene joins Cuyahoga, Franklin, Hamilton, and Summit with strong visitor spending, hotel demand, and exciting events.
Greene now unifies Cuyahoga, Franklin, Hamilton, and Summit in boosting the Ohio tourism industry as each county showcases unique attractions, cultural festivals, and historic sites. Greene joins Cuyahoga, Franklin, Hamilton, and Summit in delivering new expectation during the US Labor Day holiday weekend, proving Ohio’s tourism economy is dynamic, resilient, and growing. Greene joins Cuyahoga, Franklin, Hamilton, and Summit in boosting the Ohio tourism industry as travellers arrive for concerts, amusement parks, air shows, and football games. Greene joins Cuyahoga, Franklin, Hamilton, and Summit in this latest update you need to know.
Tourism in Ohio is stronger than ever. In 2024, the state welcomed millions of visitors who generated record spending, hotel stays, and tax revenues. The statewide impact reached $57 billion, supporting more than 443,000 jobs and providing vital income for local communities. By August 2025, Ohio’s counties are preparing for another busy season, with the Labor Day weekend expected to bring record travel volumes. Attractions from Cedar Point to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, historic sites, and vibrant September events are shaping Ohio into one of the most dynamic tourism destinations in the United States.
Ohio Tourism Hits Record Highs in 2024
Ohio’s tourism industry delivered record results in 2024. The state logged more than 242 million visits, including 48 million overnight trips. Spending rose to $57 billion, generating $4.7 billion in state and local tax revenues. Tourism provided jobs for nearly half a million Ohioans, proving that the industry is a critical driver of the state’s economy. Officials credit strong marketing, new events, and the appeal of Ohio’s blend of cities, small towns, and outdoor landscapes.
Cuyahoga County: Cleveland Leads with Culture and Sports
Cuyahoga County, anchored by Cleveland, remains one of Ohio’s strongest tourism hubs. In 2023, visitors spent $6.7 billion in the county, producing a total economic impact of nearly $11 billion. Early 2024 hotel data showed occupancy rates above 62 per cent and average daily rates close to $137, reflecting steady demand. Cleveland benefits from cultural draws such as the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, pro sports teams, and waterfront attractions. Events like the Cleveland National Air Show, held every Labor Day weekend, keep the city on the national tourism map.
Franklin County: Columbus Breaks Records
Franklin County, home to Columbus, reached new heights in 2024. The county recorded more than 53 million trips, generating $8.2 billion in visitor spending. Tourism supported more than 82,000 jobs, making it one of the largest employment sectors in the region. The county’s attractions include the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, which welcomed nearly 1.8 million guests, and COSI, named the top science museum in the United States by USA Today in 2025. With Ohio State University football games, major conventions, and vibrant festivals, Columbus continues to drive demand.
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Hamilton County: Cincinnati and the Regional Economy
Hamilton County, anchored by Cincinnati, produced $4.4 billion in direct visitor spending in its latest report, while the broader Cincinnati region, including Northern Kentucky, delivered $6.5 billion. More than 46,000 jobs are tied to tourism in the county. Cincinnati’s success rests on its cultural mix, including the Cincinnati Zoo, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, and major events such as Oktoberfest Zinzinnati. This annual celebration, held each September, is one of the largest Oktoberfests in the world and a powerful tourism driver for Southwest Ohio.
Erie and Ottawa Counties: Shores and Islands Shine
The Lake Erie Shores and Islands region, covering Erie and Ottawa Counties, remains a powerhouse for leisure tourism. The region draws more than 12 million visitors annually, generating around $2.65 billion in tourism impact. Cedar Point Amusement Park in Sandusky is the anchor attraction, drawing thrill-seekers from around the world. In autumn, the park’s HalloWeekends event, running from September through early November, extends the season and brings in family travellers as well as rollercoaster enthusiasts.
Lucas County: Toledo’s Growing Appeal
Lucas County, home to Toledo, reported nearly 16 million visitors and $1.5 billion in visitor spending in its latest figures. Toledo’s attractions include the nationally recognised Toledo Museum of Art, the Toledo Zoo, and a revitalised waterfront. Proximity to Lake Erie also helps the county capture regional traffic. With investments in festivals, dining, and cultural programming, Toledo is positioning itself as a secondary hub for Ohio tourism growth.
Summit County: Gateway to the National Park
Summit County, centred on Akron, benefits from its location next to Cuyahoga Valley National Park, one of the most visited parks in the United States. The park attracted nearly 3 million visitors in 2023, and growth continued in 2024. Tourism revenues in Summit County generated more than $350 million for state and local governments. With hiking, waterfalls, scenic rail trips, and growing events, the county combines natural escapes with easy access from Cleveland and Akron.
Labor Day 2025: Record Travel Expected
As of August 2025, all signs point to a record Labor Day travel season in Ohio. Nationally, TSA expects more than 17 million screenings between Thursday and Tuesday, while AAA projects high road volumes. In Ohio, this means busy highways, airports, and hotel corridors. The Cleveland National Air Show, headlined by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, is expected to draw tens of thousands of visitors. College football games, particularly Ohio State’s home opener in Columbus, will fill stadiums and hotels. Labour Day is shaping up to be one of Ohio’s busiest weekends of the year.
Attractions Driving Visitor Demand
Ohio’s attraction mix is diverse and powerful. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland has welcomed nearly 15 million visitors since it opened in 1995, cementing its status as a global icon. The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force near Dayton is the world’s largest military aviation museum and attracts up to one million visitors annually. The Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton anchors sports tourism, while Hocking Hills State Park in southern Ohio continues to rank as one of the state’s top natural destinations. Together, these attractions ensure that every type of traveller finds something memorable.
Ohio’s Hotels: Growing Supply and Rising Rates
Ohio’s hotels are benefitting from steady growth in leisure and business travel. The largest hotel in the state, the Hilton Columbus Downtown, now with 1,000 rooms, anchors the city’s convention market. Cleveland hotels recorded occupancy rates above 63 per cent in 2024, approaching pre-pandemic levels, with average daily rates rising on weekends and major event dates. Cincinnati is preparing for a new headquarters hotel as part of its convention district expansion, ensuring future capacity for large-scale events. With more travellers on the road, hotel demand is rising across Ohio’s major cities and smaller regions.
September 2025: Events Filling the Calendar
September 2025 promises to be a strong month for Ohio tourism. Beyond Labor Day, the state will host festivals and events that draw travellers from across the Midwest. The Ohio Renaissance Festival begins on Labour Day weekend and runs through late October, offering themed weekends of food, crafts, and medieval entertainment. In Columbus, Oktoberfest will take place from September 5–7, while Oktoberfest Zinzinnati in Cincinnati, running September 18–21, is expected to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors. Amusement parks like Cedar Point and Kings Island launch their Halloween seasons in mid-September, keeping families and thrill-seekers engaged.
Analysis: Why Ohio is Winning in Tourism
Several factors explain Ohio’s tourism surge. The state offers a balance of urban and rural attractions, making it attractive to both short-trip visitors and long-haul travellers. Counties like Franklin, Hamilton, and Cuyahoga benefit from cultural institutions, while counties like Erie, Ottawa, and Hocking thrive on natural beauty and outdoor recreation. Investments in events, festivals, and infrastructure ensure that the visitor experience remains fresh. Ohio’s central location in the Midwest also means millions can reach its attractions by car within a day.
The Future Outlook for Ohio Tourism
Looking ahead, Ohio is positioned for sustained growth. Hosting large events such as the Cleveland National Air Show and Oktoberfest celebrations provide short-term boosts, while investments in hotels, convention facilities, and amusement parks promise long-term success. With strong state marketing campaigns, record statewide spending, and rising visitor numbers in key counties, Ohio is set to continue its role as a leading tourism economy in the United States.
Conclusion
Tourism in Ohio is thriving. In 2024, the state reached new records in visitor spending, overnight trips, and job creation. Counties like Cuyahoga, Franklin, Hamilton, Erie, and Summit proved the strength of both urban centres and leisure regions. Looking ahead to Labor Day 2025 and beyond, Ohio’s calendar of events, amusement parks, and cultural attractions promises another wave of visitors. The combination of record-breaking results and future-ready investments ensures that Ohio’s tourism sector will remain one of the nation’s most dynamic engines of growth.
