COLUMBUS, Ind. – The Columbus Area Visitors Center has announced the most recent tourism economic numbers from Rockport Analytics and their impact on Bartholomew County. Tourism is an important economic driver and is integral to the community’s vitality.
According to the latest economic report, visitor spending in 2022 was $211 million with a total economic impact to the county of $166 million, a 10% increase from 2021.
Of every dollar spent by visitors, 55 cents stays in the area. While in town, visitors spend at restaurants and bars, hotels, retail stores, entertainment venues, and arts organizations. In Bartholomew County, tourism is the seventh largest employer and supports over 2600 jobs.
Without tourism, local households would have to pay an additional $646 in taxes to maintain the current level of services.
Director of the Columbus Area Visitors Center Misty Weisensteiner said, “Tourism matters and is an important contributor to the Bartholomew County community. Through our marketing programs and partnerships, we strive to strategically leverage innkeepers’ tax dollars to create awareness of our community and inspire visitation.”
