Welcome to the Business Journal Archives
Search for articles below, or continue to the all new BusinessJournalDaily.com now.
Search
Ohio State Parks Cater to 3.3 Million Overnight Visitors in 2003
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Overnight visitors at Ohio State Park campgrounds, cottages and resort lodges contributed $291 million to the state's economy during 2003 -- a 10% increase over the amount they spent in 2001, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.Approximately 3.3 million overnight visitors spent an average of $88 per day on lodging, travel, food and other services in last year. In addition, overnight stays supported the equivalent of 8,900 full-time jobs across the state, ODNR officials said.The department participated in an economic impact study sponsored by the Ohio Division of Travel & Tourism that showed Ohio State Park visitors generate revenues not only for the parks themselves, but also for local and statewide businesses.Most Ohio State Park visitors come for day-use recreational activities. However, those staying one or more nights in a park facility generate a significant financial impact both on and off park property. More than 90% of the money spent in 2003 went to local communities and businesses that support the recreation and travel industries. "Ohio State Park lodges, campgrounds and cottages contribute both jobs and revenues to our economy," said Dan West, chief of Ohio State Parks. "Their financial benefits spread not only to surrounding communities, but to the state and nation as a whole." Lodging, food, transportation, goods and services purchased by overnight visitors generated $13.3 million in state taxes and another $7.6 million in local taxes during 2003, the study found.A 2002 Ohio Poll conducted by the University of Cincinnati showed that 83% of adult Ohioans have visited an Ohio State Park for at least a day to swim, boat, picnic, hike or attend a special event.Ohio's 74 state parks offer 56 family campgrounds and more than 9,000 campsites, more than 500 overnight cottages and nine full-service resort lodges, according to the ODNR. Reservation information for campgrounds and cottages is available online 24 hours a day at ohiostateparks.org."