Message from David Gilbert

2022 was a new beginning for the travel and tourism industry, which infuses money into the economy and contributes to positive perceptions of the city as a place to live and work.

All key performance indicators experienced significant growth for a second straight year, with total visits increasing by 12% and direct spending growing by 19% (a growth rate that outpaced both state and U.S. domestic travel spending increases). This surge brought direct spending to 101% of 2019 levels. When looking at the past 10 years (2013-2022), visitation is up nearly 11%; direct spending is up 31%; employment income has grown by a staggering 61%; and taxes generated have increased by 53%. These are strong gains that speak to the power and resilience of the industry.

In 2023, our industry and organization are moving forward at full strength. Destination Cleveland, as the steward of the travel and tourism industry, remains steadfastly committed to leading the industry to its pre-pandemic success levels as quickly as possible. Through collaboration, our visitor economy can and will contribute to the region’s long-term equitable growth.

A summary of the economic value of travel and tourism to Cuyahoga County in 2022 can be found below.

- David Gilbert, President & CEO of Destination Cleveland