Tourism industry rides wave of success in Stark County
It’s that time of year when Stark County welcomes a slew of tourists thanks to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival week.
It’s also that time of year when we should be thanking all those tourists for visiting our community — and spending their money here.
Tourism is a significant driver of our local economy, as visitors help create jobs with their spending at events, stores, restaurants, bars and hotels. Visitors on a day trip spend an estimated $124, while overnight visitors spend $400 in Ohio, according to a state-backed study.
So we are happy to see tourism spending climbing in Stark.
Visit Canton, formally the Stark County Convention & Visitors’ Bureau, recently released its annual report showing that spending by visitors grew to $1.37 billion in the county last year, up 4.6% from the previous year. That spending provided a $2.2 billion economic impact for the community.
As staff writer Robert Wang noted, the spending numbers indicate that, when adjusted for inflation, Stark County’s tourism industry has nearly recovered from the economic shock of the COVID pandemic in 2020.
The Visit Canton report was released as tourists from around the world come to celebrate the Hall of Fame Game and welcome a new class of enshrinees at the Hall of Fame. (We’d also be remiss if we didn’t point out the other upcoming big attraction, the Greater Alliance Carnation Festival, which kicks off Aug. 1.)
But it’s not just the Enshrinement Week contributing to our tourism economy. The Hall of Fame Village has attracted top notch comedians and musicians to perform at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium — along with major events such as the Women’s Football Alliance championship, NFL Flag Championships and Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic taking place at the facility.
Besides the financial benefits, these events also shine a positive light on our community to the outside world.
Meanwhile, the Gervasi Vineyard Resort & Spa, Hartville Marketplace & Flea Market, McKinley Presidential Museum & Library and National First Ladies Library & Museum are among the many other popular mainstay destinations. (It doesn’t hurt that William Shatner seems to have taken a liking to Hartville, attracting large crowds during two separate visits.)
Tourism spending is also the reason we continue to support — despite bumps along the way — the Hall of Fame Village and its ongoing effort to complete the football-themed water park along Interstate 77.
As Visit Canton President and CEO Allyson Bussey noted, the community is on a “positive trajectory” with tourism. We agree and commend everyone who works in the industry in their efforts to continue promoting Stark County.
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2024-07-28 09:40:21