Newly released data shows visitor spending increased 2.7% and supported more than 48,000 jobs
CINCINNATI, OH (August 4, 2026) – Newly released data shows Hamilton County’s visitor economy has reached $7.4 billion in total economic impact as visitor spending continues to grow across the county.
According to the latest Tourism Economics analysis, visitors spent $4.5 billion directly at Hamilton County businesses, a 2.7% increase over the previous year. That spending supported 48,365 full-time and part-time jobs and generated more than $1 billion in federal, state, and local tax revenue.
“The strength of Hamilton County’s visitor economy comes from the people who make this region a place others want to visit,” said Julie Kirkpatrick, Interim President and CEO of Visit Cincy. “Their work supports local businesses, creates jobs, and helps tourism deliver meaningful benefits throughout the community.”
Visitor spending generated an additional $2.8 billion in economic activity through local supply chains and spending by employees whose income is connected to the visitor economy. Altogether, tourism supported $2.5 billion in labor income across Hamilton County.
The impact extends across a broad range of industries. Food and beverage businesses accounted for the largest share of visitor-supported employment, followed by recreation and entertainment, retail, transportation, and lodging. Visitor activity directly supported more than 34,000 jobs, with nearly 14,000 additional jobs supported through supply chain and household spending.
Tourism also generated $513 million in combined state and local tax revenue, including $228 million in local taxes. Without the tax revenue generated by visitors, each Hamilton County household would need to contribute an estimated $1,446 more annually to produce the same amount of state and local revenue.
Hamilton County continues to have the largest visitor economy in Southwest Ohio, accounting for more than 43% of the region’s direct visitor spending.
The Tourism Economics analysis measures spending by overnight visitors and people who travel more than 50 miles to a destination. Visitor spending includes lodging, food and beverages, recreation and entertainment, retail, and transportation. The total economic impact also includes activity generated through local supply chains and spending by employees whose wages are supported by tourism.
Hamilton County Visitor Economy at a Glance
- $4.5 billion in direct visitor spending
- 2.7% increase in direct visitor spending
- $7.4 billion in total economic impact
- 48,365 full-time and part-time jobs supported
- $2.5 billion in total labor income
- $1 billion in total tax revenue
- $228 million in local tax revenue
- $1,446 in estimated annual state and local tax savings per household
About Visit Cincy
Visit Cincy connects the Cincinnati region's people and experiences with visitors and meeting attendees from around the world through sales, marketing, communications, and community-building strategies. The destination marketing organization is supported by nearly 500 businesses that join together in making Cincinnati, Hamilton County, and the Cincy region a world-class destination by offering their services, attractions, and facilities to visitors, meeting planners, and convention attendees. For more information, go to VisitCincy.com.
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