Tourism continues to be a major economic driver in Ross County, USA, contributing a remarkable one hundred fifty-five million dollars to the local economy, as revealed in a recent study. This substantial economic boost not only supports two thousand seventy-two jobs, representing 7.5% of the county’s total employment, but also provides significant tax savings for residents, with each household saving approximately six hundred eight dollars annually. Beyond the numbers, tourism helps enhance the community’s quality of life by supporting local businesses, promoting infrastructure development, and funding vital public amenities such as parks, trails, and cultural events. With iconic attractions like the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks and the Tecumseh! Outdoor Drama, Ross County is positioned as a thriving destination that benefits both visitors and residents alike.

Tourism has become a vital driver of economic activity in Ross County, contributing significantly to the local economy while enhancing the quality of life for its residents. According to a recent study by Tourism Economics, released on May 19, 2025, tourism generates an impressive $155 million in direct sales, while supporting 2,072 local jobs. This represents seven and a half percent of the county’s total employment, illustrating just how essential the tourism sector is to the region’s economic health.

The study also highlights how tourism benefits the county’s residents financially. Thanks to the spending of visitors, each household in Ross County enjoys an estimated tax saving of six hundred eight dollars annually. This impact is particularly important for local residents, as it helps reduce their tax burden without compromising essential public services.

Economic Impact and Job Creation

Ross County’s thriving tourism sector provides a substantial economic boost through direct sales in various industries such as hospitality, retail, and food services. The $155 million in direct sales translates into not only job creation but also more financial resources for local businesses to reinvest in their operations. By supporting 2,072 jobs, tourism contributes significantly to the county’s employment landscape. These positions span across different sectors, ranging from hotel staff to guides at local attractions, and even those working in restaurants and shops.

With 7.5% of the county’s workforce engaged in tourism-related employment, the industry serves as a reliable and sustainable source of income for many families. This robust job market provides a wide range of opportunities for both skilled and entry-level workers, enhancing the overall economic stability of Ross County.

Community and Quality of Life Benefits

Tourism in Ross County does more than just contribute to the economy—it also plays a significant role in improving the quality of life for its residents. The influx of visitors to the county supports local businesses, helping them to expand and create new job opportunities. It also encourages the development of new retail shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, making the area a more vibrant and dynamic place to live.

Moreover, the tourism industry provides funding for important community amenities that benefit residents year-round. Visitor spending contributes to the maintenance and improvement of parks, trails, and cultural events, which enhance the county’s public spaces. This also includes investments in community-driven projects, such as the preservation and restoration of historic sites, and the development of recreational facilities that serve both locals and visitors alike.

Prominent Attractions and Community Pride

Ross County’s tourism scene is rich in cultural and natural attractions that draw visitors from across the country and beyond. Among the most prominent of these is the UNESCO World Heritage-designated Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks, a series of ancient Native American structures that provide a fascinating glimpse into the region’s pre-Columbian past. This historical site is not only an important tourist attraction but also serves as a point of pride for the local community, showcasing the county’s deep cultural heritage.

Another iconic attraction is the Tecumseh! Outdoor Drama, a large-scale production that highlights the story of the Native American leader.The drama has long been a staple of the county’s summer tourism season, drawing thousands of visitors annually. The performance not only offers a unique cultural experience but also provides an economic boost to the county as theatergoers flock to the area for the show.

Historic downtown Chillicothe, the county seat, is also a key attraction. Its charming streets, filled with well-preserved 19th-century buildings, draw visitors who enjoy its historic sites, boutique shops, and local dining. The vibrant downtown area fosters a strong sense of community pride and provides an appealing destination for tourists and locals alike, offering everything from cultural festivals to seasonal events.

The Role of the Ross County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB)

Driving much of Ross County’s tourism efforts is the Ross County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB). The CVB plays an instrumental role in promoting the county as a desirable destination for overnight visitors. The organization’s efforts extend across a range of promotional activities, including maintaining a user-friendly website, managing an event calendar, and providing a mobile app to keep both tourists and residents informed about local happenings.

In addition, the CVB runs programs designed to support local tourism initiatives, such as the Promotional Grant Assistance Program and the Brochure Assistance Program. These programs help promote tourism-related businesses and events, ensuring that the economic benefits of tourism are distributed throughout the county. By offering financial assistance to local groups and businesses, the CVB ensures that tourism remains a thriving industry.

The CVB’s operations are entirely funded by a 3% lodging tax, which is levied on hotels and short-term rentals in the area. This tax is in accordance with Ohio Revised Code §5739.09, and it ensures that the CVB’s work does not rely on local sales or property taxes, sparing residents from additional financial burdens. This self-sustaining funding model allows the CVB to operate without placing any strain on the county’s budget, while still delivering valuable promotional services that benefit the entire community.

Tourism in Ross County, USA, generates a remarkable one hundred fifty-five million dollars, supporting thousands of jobs and enhancing the local community through job creation, infrastructure improvements, and tax savings for residents. This economic boost is fueled by attractions like the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks and the Tecumseh! Outdoor Drama, making the county a thriving destination.

Tourism’s impact on Ross County is profound, both in terms of economic contribution and community development. It supports thousands of local jobs, provides financial relief to residents through tax savings, and helps fund key public infrastructure projects. Beyond the dollars and cents, tourism fosters community pride and enhances the quality of life for residents by supporting local businesses, cultural attractions, and recreational opportunities. With continued support from the Ross County Convention and Visitors Bureau, the county is well-positioned to thrive as a top destination for both tourists and residents alike.

The post USA Tourism’s One Hundred Fifty-Five Million Dollar Contribution Powers Ross County’s Economic Growth, Strengthening The Local Job Market And Public Resources appeared first on Travel And Tour World.