Message from David Gilbert

In 2023, Cuyahoga County’s tourism industry moved beyond recovery and continued its upward trajectory, infusing money into the economy and contributing to positive perceptions of the region as a place to live and work.

Despite economic headwinds, all key performance metrics increased for a third straight year, with total visits up 2.2% (a rate that virtually mirrored the state’s visitation growth) and direct spending growing by 3.7%. These increases represent a return to sustainable, pre-pandemic industry growth rates.

It’s been 10 years since we launched the Cleveland visitor brand. Over the past decade (2014-2023), visitation is up more than 8%; direct spending is up 24%; employment income has grown by 55%; and taxes generated have increased by 42%. These are strong gains that speak to the power and resilience of the industry.

So far in 2024, our industry and organization have shown no signs of slowing down. Cleveland has shined in the national spotlight during the NCAA Women’s Final Four, Total Solar Eclipse and many other events. As the steward of the tourism industry, Destination Cleveland remains deeply committed to leading the industry and facilitating collaborations that sustainably contribute to the region’s long-term equitable growth.

A summary of the economic value of travel and tourism to Cuyahoga County in 2023 can be found below.

David Gilbert
President & CEO of Destination Cleveland