House bill promotes state tourism

TIFFIN — A state house bill aims to further promote Ohio's tourist attractions. House Bill 732 would create the Ohio, The Heart of It All Pass Program, a promotional pass that is available to state residents and visitors to support Ohio tourism. The program is a perfect way to encourage residents and out-of-state visitors to experience what Ohio has to offer, according to Eric Wobser, CEO of Greater Sandusky Partnership. He said it would contribute to the area's $2.7 billion destination economy that welcomes more than 11 million guests a year and adds substantial tax revenue to the state. "We are excited to continue showcasing our region as a premier Lake Erie destination, home to charming coastal communities, unique small businesses, outdoor experiences and iconic attractions like Cedar Point," Wobser said. "Beyond increasing awareness of our region, this program will strengthen local businesses, support jobs and drive spending in communities of all sizes. We are encouraged to see tourism recognized as a key economic driver for our state and region." What's proposed About a week ago, the bill was approved by the House of Representatives and introduced to the Senate. It was first sponsored by State Rep. Melanie Miller, R-Ashland. In her sponsor testimony, Miller said the legislation strengthens the state's tourism economy and supports small businesses, local attractions, downtowns, parks, museums, theaters, restaurants and historical sites. "Ohio truly is the heart of it all: geographically, historically, culturally and economically," Miller said. "This pass program will give more people the opportunity to experience that for themselves. I am incredibly excited about the impact House Bill 732 can have on communities large and small across our state." The pass can be used to visit participating Ohio attractions, activities and destinations to promote the state's artistic, cultural, historical, educational, recreational, film and museum attractions. If the bill passes, free 2026 passes will be available to state residents who apply. Starting in 2027, TourismOhio will determine a price for the passes. Participating organizations that partner with TourismOhio will offer pass holders discounts, experiences, promotional gifts and other benefits. It wasn't immediately known which tourism attractions or business would participate in the program or how it would otherwise impact people visiting those locations. According to the state legislature website, TourismOhio will be responsible for creating rules to implement the program, monitoring program partners' compliance and producing promotional materials for partners and the pass. If the bill gets approved, it would also create the Ohio, The Heart of It All Pass Fund. Earnings from passes, gifts, grants and other contributions will go to TourismOhio to administer the program and promote tourism, according to Miller's sponsor testimony. By the numbers Tourism is about more than travel, according to Miller, it is also about economy, community and growth. She shared 2024 statistics to support her case: • State visitors created $57 billion in spending and indirect business sales • There were 242 million visits made to the state • Visits created $4.7 billion in state and local revenue Revenue from the visits contributes to schools, infrastructure, public safety and essential services, according to Miller. Tourism reduces tax burdens on state families and supports work across communities. As for community growth, Miller said 67% of people say their eventual hometowns were first visited on leisure trips before deciding to move. "When we invest in tourism, we are investing not only in economic activity, but in future residents, future entrepreneurs and future workforce growth," Miller said. The bill has support from other representatives, like Kellie Deeter, R-Norwalk, who described the bill as "an innovative step to making Ohio's offerings more accessible." "By creating a first-of-its-kind statewide promotional pass through TourismOhio and our participating partners, this legislation will help drive tourism, support local businesses and encourage more people to explore everything Ohio has to offer."