Study: Columbus Tourism Increasing
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowA study by Kentucky-based Certec Inc. suggests tourism is on the rise in Columbus. The research shows the tourism industry is tied to nearly 4,400 Bartholomew County jobs and pumped more than $241 million into the economy last year. Both are increases compared to the same period in 2010. Sept. 17, 2013
News Release
COLUMBUS, Ind. – A new study found visitor spending in the Columbus area continued to grow in 2012. Direct spending by tourists accounted for $241.6 million last year, up 6.3 percent from 2010. Details of the study will be revealed today at the annual meeting of the Columbus Area Visitors Center.
“Hotels, restaurants, retail businesses and attractions benefit from tourism in Columbus and Bartholomew County,” said Lynn Lucas, Executive Director of the Columbus Area Visitors Center, “According the economic impact study by CERTEC, Inc., visitors spending has grown by 6.3 percent since 2010.”
In 2012 there were a total of 4,376 jobs in the Bartholomew County tourism industry, up 154 jobs from 2010. One third of the jobs created were in high-wage occupations. The tourism-generated jobs provided $70 million in wages, an increase of $7.6 million over 2010.
Additionally, visitor spending generated nearly $80.5 million in local, state and federal tax revenues. Local tax revenue accounted for $15.9 million
At the meeting, Roger Rickard, author and founder of Voices in Advocacy, addressed the group about the power of tourism and awards were presented to community partners. Award winners are:
-Bebette Perr, Visitors Center volunteer – Above and Beyond the Call of Duty Award
-Annette Barnes and Marsha Kanable, Visitors Center volunteers and tour guides – Volunteers of the Year
-Amy Kleinert, executive director, and Diane Robbins, community relations and marketing manager – kidscommons
-Chad Cockerham, Otter Creek general manager and head golf professional, and John Fairbanks, committee chair – Under Armour Jeff Overton Championship Hosted by Otter Creek
-Mayor Kristen Brown – Columbus Arts District
-Harry McCawley, associate editor of The Republic and county historian – Unforgettable Partner
-Chuck Wilt, past director of Columbus Parks and Recreation Department – Unforgettable Partner
Source: The Columbus Area Visitors Center