Forum discusses importance of tourism

SANDUSKY — It's important to keep dedicating large amounts of bed tax revenues to promoting tourism in the region, according to panelists at an event hosted this week. It's a sentiment shared by various local business officials and government officials who made this point at a Monday evening forum at Mylander Pavilion on Jackson Street Pier in downtown Sandusky. The forum, organized by the Greater Sandusky Partnership, highlighted the economic importance of tourism to the region. About 100 people showed up for the hearing. Those at the partnership said it had to stop taking reservations after capacity was reached for the pavilion. It was organized as lawmakers continued to discuss an amendment allowing some bed tax revenues in certain counties, including Erie County, to be used for economic development, infrastructure and public safety. State Rep. D.J. Swearingen, R-Huron, who showed up for the hearing, said he didn't know yet if the amendment had been included in the final version of the state budget. The budget is due to be completed this week. Ryan Whaley, owner of the Paddle Bar and Volstead Bar, said automotive plants used to fuel the Midwest economy. Those plants are now mostly gone, and the tourism driving the local economy is "an investment we must keep," Whaley said. The speakers also emphasized that, while big businesses like Cedar Point have marketing departments, smaller businesses in the area depend upon Shores & Islands Ohio, the local convention and visitors bureau. Whaley noted he has a background in marketing, but many small business owners do not. Vermilion's mayor, Jim Forthofer, told the crowd that U.S. 6, which runs through his small city, used to be the main highway from Cleveland to Cedar Point. When motorists switched to Ohio 2, the efforts of Shores & Islands Ohio became critical to making sure people didn't miss Vermilion, he said. Some of Tuesday's speakers offered statistics and facts on the tourism business. Larry Fletcher, the CEO of Shores & Islands, said Ohio has about 100 "destination marketing organizations" such as his group. He explained that Erie County has a 4% lodging tax with: • 2% paying off the bonds for Cedar Point Sports Center • 2% funding his organization Fletcher also pushed back against claims that his organization spends too much on personnel. He said his group has 18 full-time employees with additional employees added in the busy summer months. From 2019 to 2025, staffing costs have gone from about 28% to about 30% of the budget, relatively consistent, while marketing spending has gone from 62% to 64%, he said. Jeff Kerr, the Greater Sandusky Partnership's policy director, said Erie County had $1.6 billion of visitor spending in 2023. Visitors account for 41% of sales tax revenues, Kerr said. Steve Shoffner, an Erie County commissioner, and Caleb Stidham, Erie County's treasurer, attended the meeting but did not speak. Both have advocated for allowing some bed tax money to be used for infrastructure, public safety and economic development. Stidham said he had been told he could participate in the forum if he wished. "We certainly would have welcomed their participation," said Eric Wobser, CEO of the Greater Sandusky Partnership. "We also want to have a continued dialogue."