Support Us Button Widget

The numbers are in: CBUS’ travel economy is on an upward trajectory

The 2023 State of the Visitor Industry: Mid-Year Report shows promising growth of Columbus through visitors and major events hosted in the city.

The report comes from Experience Columbus and the Greater Columbus Sports Commission. | Photo by @markshultztv

The report comes from Experience Columbus and the Greater Columbus Sports Commission. | Photo by @thesciotomile

Table of Contents

The 2023 State of the Visitor Industry: Mid-Year Report is available, and it shows that Columbus continues to be a hot spot for travel, conventions, and national events. Let’s break it down:

Travel economy

There has been a 45% increase in the number of conventions, trade shows, and sporting events hosted in CBUS, according to the report.

This year, Greater Columbus hosted the NCAA Men’s and Women’s DI Basketball Tournament, Arnold Sports Festival, and the US Conference of Mayors, which brought millions to the Capital City.

New visitors

Nearly 50 million people visited Columbus in 2022, which is a 16% increase from 2021. The numbers continue to climb this year, with 224 conventions hosted within the first six months of 2023.

What’s next?

Plans for 2024 are already in motion, with Columbus playing host to the US Figure Skating Championships in January and the 2024 Major League Soccer All-Star Game in July.

More from CBUStoday
This list of volunteer opportunities in Columbus, OH includes everything from dog walking to art gallery tours.
No cash? No problem. Whether you are spending a day or a lifetime in Columbus, these are some of the best offerings that won’t break the bank.
We’ve made a concerted effort to orchestrate this roadmap, so you can focus on finding the artists you adore.
Reach your local community with our help.
Check out these brunch restaurants, cafes, and diners in Columbus, serving a variety of egg dishes, mimosas, bloody marys, and more.
From former NFL teams to celebrities from the city, here are 20 facts about Columbus.
Dining in Columbus is always a fresh experience, with new restaurants popping up all the time, and more on the way.
Go bargain hunting with our CBUS happy hour guide, which highlights drink specials and food discounts throughout the city.
Dig into delicious and nutritious vegan and vegetarian fare in every corner of Columbus, OH, ranging from downtown to Westerville.
We’re highlighting the best kid-friendly activities that Columbus has to offer — complete with art classes, animal encounters, and outdoor fun.