News Summary
Cleveland has recorded a remarkable increase in direct visitor spending, reaching $6.9 billion in 2024. This 4% rise is attributed to a surge in leisure and business visits, contributing over $11.4 billion to the local economy. The tourism industry supported around 70,200 jobs, generating a total income of $3.8 billion. With over 300 hosted meetings and conventions, Cleveland is emerging as a prime destination for both tourists and business events, bolstered by ongoing investments and a promising outlook for future growth.
Cleveland has set a remarkable milestone in 2024 as Cuyahoga County recorded direct visitor spending of $6.9 billion, marking a 4% increase from the $6.7 billion spent in 2023. This increase surpasses inflation, which was noted at 1.3%, highlighting the area’s burgeoning tourism sector.
The surge in visitor spending was fueled by 18.6 million leisure and business visits to the county, representing a 1.5% increase compared to the previous year. In total, the travel and tourism sector contributed over $11.4 billion to the local economy in 2024.
Tax revenue generated from tourism in Cuyahoga County amounted to $1.6 billion, equating to a savings of $1,460 for each household in the area. The tourism industry also played a pivotal role in supporting approximately 70,200 local jobs, with a total income of $3.8 billion for these workers, reflecting a 3.8% increase from the previous year. Notably, one in every 14 jobs in the county is now supported by this vibrant tourism economy.
Visitor demographics revealed that day visitors accounted for 58% of total visits, while 42% were overnight visitors. Additionally, both day and overnight visitor volumes experienced growth, at 1.4% and 1.7% respectively. This increase can be largely attributed to a significant 7% growth in business visits, which reflects a renewed interest in Cleveland as a business destination.
Cuyahoga County also hosted over 300 meetings and conventions in 2024, attracting more than 208,000 attendees and infusing approximately $200 million into the local economy. Major events this year, including the total solar eclipse and the NCAA Women’s Final Four, notably contributed to visitor spending. Their economic impacts were evaluated at $24.6 million and $32.9 million respectively.
The focus on tourism has significantly shaped Cleveland’s image as a desirable place for both living and working. The city has benefited from nearly $5 billion in ongoing investments, particularly along its waterfront, strengthening its future development prospects. Such investments are crucial to maintaining Cleveland’s momentum in the tourism arena.
Efforts by local organizations and stakeholders have positioned Cleveland as an emerging player in the meeting and convention sectors. These initiatives have not only enhanced perceptions of Cleveland amongst first-time visitors but have also established the city as a viable option for hosting high-profile events.
Looking ahead, projections for 2025 indicate a promising outlook for the tourism industry in Cuyahoga County, buoyed by anticipated high-profile conventions and national sporting events. As tourism continues to flourish, the overall economic and community benefits are expected to grow, ensuring that Cuyahoga County remains a compelling destination for visitors and a supportive environment for local businesses.
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Additional Resources
- Axios: Cleveland Tourism Spending Record
- Google Search: Cleveland tourism
- Fox8: Destination Cleveland Boasts New Record
- Wikipedia: Cleveland
- Crain’s Cleveland: Tourism Generated $7 Billion
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cleveland
- Spectrum News: Cuyahoga County Visitor Spending
- Google News: Cleveland tourism news
Author: STAFF HERE CLEVELAND WRITER
CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the seasoned team at HERECleveland.com, your premier source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and beyond, delivering "news you can use" with in-depth coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news impacting the region—backed by years of expert reporting and robust community input, including local press releases and business updates, while providing top reporting on high-profile events like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions, Cleveland International Film Festival, and holiday parades, alongside key organizations such as the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Orchestra, and Great Lakes Science Center, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare like Sherwin-Williams and University Hospitals, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREDayton.com, offering comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's vibrant landscape. HERE Cleveland HERE Dayton
