LOGAN, Ohio — The local tourism industry continues to serve as a vital economic engine for Hocking County, generating a total economic benefit of $295 million annually, according to a comprehensive study released Thursday by Explore Hocking Hills [cite: Explore Hocking Hills announces tourism’s annual economic benefits reach $295 million in Hocking County, LOGAN, Ohio, August 20, 2026 – Explore Hocking Hills today announced the results of an in-depth study by Tourism Economics that details the important economic benefits the tourism industry has on Hocking County.].
The study, conducted by research firm Tourism Economics, reveals that direct visitor spending climbed to $179 million. The biennial analysis evaluates how tourism impacts business growth, personal income, local employment, and public tax revenues across Southeast Ohio’s Appalachian region.
Tax Relief and Job Creation for Local Families
In addition to driving local commerce, the influx of travelers provides major financial relief to permanent residents.
According to officials, the industry is responsible for:
- Local Employment: Supporting 1,635 jobs across Hocking County.
- Household Savings: Generating tax revenues that save local residents nearly $2,000 per family.
“Without tourism and visitor spending, every household in the county would need to pay an additional $1,974 per household to maintain the level of public services just two years ago,” said Explore Hocking Hills Executive Director Heather Eddy.
Reinvesting in Community Infrastructure and Emergency Services
Beyond bottom-line metrics, tourism revenue directly supports local quality of life, funding cultural venues, community festivals, and public safety organizations [cite: Beyond the vital economic development and jobs visitor spending brings to the community, the tourism industry also fuels major quality-of-life improvements for Hocking County residents., As a result of tourism, residents have access to outstanding restaurants, retail offerings and cultural and recreational amenities not typically found in a community of its size., That means local residents have access to wonderful festivals, live concerts, museums, the recently reopened and beautifully restored historic Logan Theater and so much more.].
Through its Destination Investment Fund, Explore Hocking Hills has awarded nearly $1.3 million to local non-profit organizations to enhance regional amenities, including the restoration of the historic Logan Theater [cite: Eddy also shared, “Explore Hocking Hills has awarded nearly $1.3 million to local non-profits to help enhance the community through Explore Hocking Hills’ Destination Investment Fund., That means local residents have access to wonderful festivals, live concerts, museums, the recently reopened and beautifully restored historic Logan Theater and so much more.].
Additionally, lodging taxes paid by overnight guests have provided approximately $400,000 through the Hocking Hills Tourism Association’s Tourism Impact Emergency Services grants to fund local first responders and emergency medical services.
For complete travel, conservation, and local program information, visit ExploreHockingHills.com or lovehockinghills.com.
