TourismOhio Launches Summer Travel Season with Tourism Day

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) - As Ohioans begin planning summer vacations, weekend road trips, and family getaways, TourismOhio officially kicked off the state's summer travel season during Tourism Day at the Ohio Statehouse Tuesday.

Nearly 140 industry representatives from across Ohio gathered on the Statehouse lawn to showcase the destinations, experiences, and hometown favorites helping drive hundreds of millions of visits each year - from lakefront escapes and outdoor adventures to museums, sports landmarks, wineries, and small-town attractions.

Photos and additional media assets from Tourism Day available here

"Summer in Ohio means county fairs, lake trips, family road trips, baseball games, festivals, and discovering places you may have never visited before," said Gov. Mike DeWine. "Tourism Day is a reminder that some of the best summer experiences in the country are right here in Ohio."

Ohio's tourism industry continues to be a major economic driver, attracting travelers to destinations across the state. In 2024, tourism generated a $57 billion economic impact and brought 242 million visits to Ohio, including 48.5 million overnight stays as travelers explored Ohio's attractions, downtowns, parks, museums, entertainment districts, and outdoor destinations.

"Tourism drives economic activity in every corner of Ohio," said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development. "When visitors stay in our hotels, eat in local restaurants, shop in small businesses, and explore our communities, that spending supports jobs and helps strengthen local economies across the state."

As travelers look for memorable and affordable summer experiences, Ohio continues to see strong interest in outdoor recreation, family travel, sports tourism, and drivable getaways. Those travel trends are helping support local businesses, attractions, restaurants, and lodging providers in communities throughout the state.

With regional insight from county convention and visitors bureaus, TourismOhio makes road trip planning this summer even easier with the Summer Events Guide, featuring five events in each Ohio county, and the Ohio Ice Cream Trail, a sweet seasonal tradition that's back again with even more dairies, shoppes, and creameries to check out.

In 2025, TourismOhio expanded its summer marketing campaign into additional regional markets while increasing investment in digital advertising and road trip-focused travel content designed to inspire more visitors to experience Ohio.

"The more you explore Ohio, the more reasons you find to love it- big cities, small towns, unforgettable experiences, and the kind of moments that make people want to come back," said Sarah Wickham, state tourism director. "One weekend it's Hocking Hills, the next it's a concert in Cleveland or a small-town downtown you can't wait to tell people about. Tourism gives people the chance to experience the energy, beauty, and personality that make Ohio the Heart of it All."

Featured destinations and attractions at Tourism Day included:

Historical Destinations:
Campus Martius Museum - Featured on the Ohio History Road Trip
Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums - Featured on the Ohio's Presidential History Road Trip

Major Museums:
Cincinnati Museum Center - Featured on the Vibrant Cities: Cincinnati Road Trip
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame - Featured on the Rock & Ride Road Trip
Armstrong Air & Space Museum - Featured on the To the Moon and Back Road Trip

Resorts and Unique Getaways:
Cabins by the Caves - Featured in Girlfriend Getaways in Ohio's Great Outdoors
Gervasi Vineyard Resort & Spa

Arboretums & Gardens:
Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens - Featured on the Vibrant Cities: Akron Road Trip

Made in Ohio:
Gay Fad Studios & Glass Museum - Featured as a Notable Ohioan
Young's Jersey Dairy - Featured on the Family Fun Road Trip and Ohio Ice Cream Trail and Ohio Corn Maze Trail

A full exhibitor list can be downloaded here.

Looking for Ohio summer travel story ideas, hidden gems, road trip inspiration, or interviews with tourism destinations across the state? Reporters and producers can contact Mason Waldvogel at [email protected] for interviews, story ideas, and additional resources.

Operating within Ohio's Department of Development, TourismOhio works to showcase all Ohio has to offer as a place of adventure, a place of promise, and the place for you.

The Ohio Department of Development empowers communities to succeed by investing in Ohio's people, places, and businesses. Learn more about our work at development.ohio.gov.

Immediate Release:
May 12, 2026

Press Contact:
Mason Waldvogel (Email)
(614) 466-2609