A new report from the state Department of Development shows that Ohio attracted nearly 242 million tourist visits in 2024, up 3.5 million from the year before.

Across Ohio, visitor activity generated $57 billion in economic impact last year, up from $56 billion the previous year, and $4.7 billion in state and local tax revenues, according to the report.

In total, tourism directly and indirectly supported more than 443,000 jobs in hospitality, retail and recreation, state officials said.

“Tourism isn’t just about attractions, it’s about impact,” said Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik. “It brings people together, keeps dollars flowing into our communities and boosts local economies in every corner of our state. These numbers show that Ohio’s tourism industry is strong and growing.”

Overnight stays, a sign that travelers are exploring more and staying longer, totaled 48.5 million, representing 20 percent of all travel to the state.

“Every visitor gives us a chance to share Ohio’s story, show off our hospitality, and plant a seed for future opportunities,” said Gov. Mike DeWine. “We welcome travelers to discover why Ohio is the Heart of it All — because once they do, we know they’ll want to return, and maybe even make it home.”

In 2023 the state saw 238 million visits and 48 million overnight stays. Tourism that year generated $4.6 billion in state and local taxes.The report notes that 93 percent of recent visitors said they are likely to return within the next year. That’s up from 84 percent in the previous year.

“We know that once people get a taste of Ohio, a river, a rooftop view or a really good doughnut, they are hooked,” said state Tourism Director Sarah Wickham. “That’s why they come back, and that’s why tourism matters.”

The state’s travel industry ranks 11th among all business categories for employing the most workers, according to the U.S. Travel Association.

Nationally, travel spending reached $1.3 trillion last year and had an economic impact of $2.9 trillion, according to the U.S. Travel Association, which amounted to 2.5 percent of the country’s gross domestic product.

The travel industry directly and indirectly supported more than 15 million jobs. This year there are about a million job openings in the travel and tourism industry across the country.

Travel is expected to increase again this year, according the U.S. Travel Association.

The group projects travel expenditure in the United States “will continue to grow at normalized rates, driven by resilient consumer spending, sustained business investment and major events promoting international visits.”

Travel spending this year is projected to grow 3.9 percent to $1.35 trillion, with additional growth to $1.46 trillion by 2028, according to the association.

The forecast also noted that “continued consumer strength in 2024 resulted in record numbers of domestic air travelers. While spending grew at a lower rate than the number of trips, domestic leisure travel is forecast to increase by 3.9 percent and reach more than $1 trillion in 2025, equaling 2019 levels (inflation-adjusted). Air travel volumes are expected to continue growing into 2026 and beyond.”

Travel by international visitors is expected to grow in the next few years due to the United States hosting several international sporting events, among other events.

The FIFA 2026 World Cup, the celebration of the United States’ 250th birthday next year, the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, the men’s and women’s rugby World Cups in 2031 and 2033 and the 2034 Winter Games in Salt Lake City have the potential to bring more visitors than ever, according the U.S. Travel Association.

The group forecasts 8.8 percent growth for inbound international visits in 2025 and 8.9 percent growth in 2026.

Operating within the Department of Development, TourismOhio works to “showcase all Ohio has to offer as a place of adventure, a place of promise.”