Warren County tourism generates record visitors

Hundreds waited in line and gathered for an announcement just after 10 p.m. that turned out to be the Mystic Timbers wooden roller coaster Thursday night, July 29, 2016, at Kings Island Amusement Park in Mason. The coaster will be completed in spring of 2017. NICK GRAHAM/STAFF

Hundreds waited in line and gathered for an announcement just after 10 p.m. that turned out to be the Mystic Timbers wooden roller coaster Thursday night, July 29, 2016, at Kings Island Amusement Park in Mason. The coaster will be completed in spring of 2017. NICK GRAHAM/STAFF

Warren County attracted a record number of tourism-related visitors in 2016, the Warren County Convention & Visitors Bureau announced at its Annual Partner Meeting today.

According to attendance figures compiled by the WCCVB, the county’s numerous entertainment, shopping and dining attractions accounted for nearly 12 million visitors in 2016, surpassing a previous record of 11.8 million visitors set in 2015.

Phillip S. Smith, president & CEO of the WCCVB, credits the influx in visitation to the county’s budding reputation as both a convenient and affordable travel destination.

RELATED: Warren County tourism generates $1.1 billion

“No matter your age or interests, you’re bound to find an event, attraction or accommodation that appeals to you in Warren County,” Smith said. “Couple our wide array of affordable entertainment, dining and lodging offerings with the fact that we’re also just a short drive away for most, and it’s easy to see why we’ve become such a popular option for travelers.”

RELATED: Kings Island filling 4K jobs for 2017

Among the county’s most visited attractions in 2016 were Caesar Creek State Park, Kings Island, Miami Valley Gaming, the Western & Southern Open, and the Ohio Sauerkraut Festival.

According to the latest economic study conducted by the state of Ohio, tourism is the county’s number one industry, accounting for one in every nine jobs, or 11 percent of the workforce.

MORE: Construction takes shape for Kings Island’s newest roller coaster

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