COLUMBUS, Ind. – The Columbus Area Visitors Center released the most recent available data about the economic impact of the tourism industry in Bartholomew County on Friday.
Tourism in Bartholomew County continues to be a powerful driver of economic growth. Visitor spending reached $223 million in 2023, marking a 5.5% increase over the previous year. This growth underscores the county’s appeal as a destination for travelers, and the role tourism plays in supporting local businesses, jobs, and public services.
All key sectors of the tourism economy experienced growth, with entertainment leading the way at an 8% increase. Other sectors, including lodging, food and beverage, shopping, and transportation, saw at least a 4% rise in spending.
“Tourism is a cornerstone of our local economy, and these numbers reflect the continued success of our businesses and attractions in drawing visitors to Bartholomew County,” said Misty Weisensteiner, Executive Director at the Columbus Area Visitors Center. “The impact of visitor spending is felt across multiple industries, fueling job growth and generating essential tax revenue for our community.”
2023 Key Economic Impact Highlights:
- $223 million in total annual visitor spending, up 5.5% from 2022 ($211M)
- Tourism ranks as the seventh-largest industry in Bartholomew County by total employment
- $37.2 million in total tax revenue generated ($15M in federal and $22.2M in state/local taxes)
- Without tourism, each of Bartholomew County’s 32,984 households would need to pay an additional $674 per year in taxes to maintain current government services
- For every $1 spent by visitors, $0.55 is returned to the local economy, reinforcing the strong economic ripple effect of the tourism sector
