Tourism Drives Us

Tourism is more than travel. It’s a powerful economic engine that supports local businesses, creates jobs and strengthens the quality of life in Summit County. Every visitor who stays in a hotel, dines in a restaurant, attends an event or explores our parks helps fuel our local economy and support thousands of residents who work in hospitality, retail, attractions and transportation. In Summit County alone, visitor spending annually generates billions in economic activity and supports thousands of local jobs. The real impact of the hospitality and tourism sector is highlighted below.

Hospitality Ecosystem

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According to the most recent study from Tourism Economics, direct visitor spending in 2025 totaled $1.65 billion from all industries within the hospitality ecosystem. This figure includes spending by day and overnight visitors. These sales focused on different industries, including retail trade, recreation and entertainment, food and beverage, lodging and transportation. Collectively with direct, indirect and induced spending, the total economic impact reached $2.7 billion.

Visitor spending plays a vital role in Summit County’s job market, accounting for 5.8% of all jobs in the county. Tourism impacts over 21,000 jobs. Of the different types of jobs in the industry, food and beverage employs the highest number of individuals, followed by recreation and entertainment, retail, other transport, lodging, FIRE and business services. 

Tourism Drives Us_Jobs 2026

Visitor spending, visitor-supported jobs and business sales generated $350.5 million in government revenues. Of this, $175.3 million was in state and local taxes. Each household in Summit County would need to be taxed an additional $758 to replace the visitor-generated taxes received by state and local governments in 2025. 

 

Tourism Drives Us_2026 Tax Info

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Work of the Akron/Summit CVB

The Akron/Summit CVB is the official destination marketing organization for Summit County, working with partners across the community to attract visitors, meetings, sporting events and group travel. By promoting Summit County as a travel destination, the CVB helps bring new visitors and new spending into the local economy. Additionally, the CVB also promotes the area's attractions and local businesses, funds tourism projects through its Destination Development Grant program, and helps develop tourism initiatives and experiences (i.e. Summit Brew Path, The Drip Drive, Treasure Trail and Summit Sweet Stroll).

Tourism Supports Businesses Across Summit County

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Hospitality

There are 63 hotels throughout the county.

 

rosewood grill food

Dining

This includes all restaurants, breweries, coffee shops, bakeries, wineries and more.

 

Couple walking on wooden boardwalk trail through lush green forest in Summit Metro Parks, Akron, OH.

Outdoor Recreation

Including the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Summit Metro Parks and the Towpath Trail.

Two young women examining a piece of art at the Akron Art Museum.

Culture

Summit County is filled with museums, concert venues and history for residents and visitors to enjoy.

 

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Retail

Malls, local stores, markets and more benefit from visitors seeking retail therapy.

 

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Transportation

From Akron-Canton Airport to private transportation companies, rideshare services and more.