Occupancy rates at Columbus, Ohio, area hotels are up 6.4 percent during the first six months of 2011 compared to a year earlier, a positive sign that tourism to the city is rebounding, officials said.
At the same time, revenues from hotel/motel tax collections are up about 6.7 percent (to nearly $13.7 million). Still, officials say the numbers, while positive, have yet to return to levels last seen in 2007.
“This information points to the beginning of a rebound in the visitor industry in Central Ohio and that affects the economic health of the entire region, since the visitor industry represents 10% of the local economy,” Paul Astleford, president and CEO of Experience Columbus, said in a news release. “Columbus offers attractive, top-notch attractions, shopping, restaurants, arts and lodging options for visitors. We are working hard to build the profile of Columbus nationally and entice meeting professionals and leisure travelers from around the country to our great city.”
Five Columbus attractions worth visiting:
- Camp Chase
- Shrum Mound
- Santa Maria replica ship
- The Ohio State University
- German Village
IF YOU GO: Columbus, Ohio, is an easy getaway from Atlanta as both Delta Air Lines and AirTran Airways offer direct flights daily.
