Tourism generates $226M in visitor spending in Bartholomew County

COLUMBUS, Ind. - As Visit Columbus celebrates National Travel and Tourism Week (May 3-9), new data highlights the continued importance of tourism to the local economy.

According to a Rockport Analytics Economic Impact Assessment, tourism was one of Bartholomew County’s most powerful economic engines in 2024. Using the most recent data available, the evaluation captures the full scope of tourism’s economic impact that year.   

The assessment defines a “visitor” as someone who travels at least 50 miles one way to the destination or completes an overnight stay in the destination.   

In 2024, visitors spent $226 million in Bartholomew County, generating $127 million in total economic impact and supporting 2,690 local jobs, making tourism the sixth-largest industry. That activity also produced $22.6 million in state and local tax revenue, funding services that benefit every resident.

In practical terms, that means:

• For every dollar visitors spent, 56 cents came back directly to the local economy

• For every dollar visitors spent, 36 cents went toward the paychecks of 2,690 Bartholomew County workers

• Visitor spending saves each county household $687 per year in government costs, real tax relief for local families 

Leisure travel, sports tourism, and corporate travel all contributed to this growth, with direct visitor spending rising 4.1% over 2023, reflecting Bartholomew County's continued strength as a destination.   

Misty Weisensteiner, CDME, Executive Director of Visit Columbus, said, “Every traveler who comes to our community supports a local restaurant, a small business owner, or a neighbor. They discover a piece of our history and leave with a piece of our story."