CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — Chillicothe’s tourism sector has had a record-breaking year in 2022, according to the Ross-Chillicothe Convention & Visitors Bureau’s recently released Annual Report. The report measured the success of the tourism industry using attendance counts at attractions, expansion in lodging facilities, and revenue from lodging taxes remitted. All three measurements showed impressive growth for the sector.
Local attractions reported increased attendance counts as they resumed normal operations following the pandemic. This growth suggested that leisure travelers were comfortable returning to their travel activities. Ross County also experienced one of the largest expansions in short-term rental rooms coming online, with over 60 properties often marketed through Airbnb and VRBO.
Despite the additional lodging properties, local hotel rooms maintained strong demand with high occupancy rates and nightly room rates. The revenue generated from the lodging taxes collected on guests staying overnight in Chillicothe and Ross County surpassed all past collections, setting a new record for remittance. These dollars will fund the Ross-Chillicothe Convention & Visitors Bureau and its marketing efforts.
Melody Young, Executive Director of the Bureau, expressed pride in the results achieved in 2022, adding that the team was looking forward to building upon last year’s successes and making 2023 an even better year.
The Bureau also welcomed new officers to its Board of Directors in the new year, with Brandon Smith, CEO of The Scioto Society, serving as President, and Curt McAllister, President of C.P. Management, as Vice-President. Eric Woodworth, General Manager of the Hampton Inn & Suites, will continue to serve as Treasurer, while Nancy Ames, representing education, will serve as Immediate Past President. The executive team is rounded out with three at-large members: David Polk, Patti Cavender, and Kathy Styer.
Copies of the 2022 Annual Report are available for download through the Bureau’s website at VisitChillicotheOhio.com.