After big cut, Ohio tourism budget bolstered

COLUMBUS (AP) — An official says money elsewhere in the new state budget will help make up for a more than 90 percent cut in Ohio tourism funding.

Division of Tourism Director Amir Eylon says his agency will receive some of the funds set aside for Ohio Department of Development programs to market the state.

Local convention and visitors bureaus had been alarmed because the budget allocated the tourism division only $400,000 for the fiscal year that began July 1.

The development money will boost funding for tourism initiatives to $5.1 million. That’s still one-third less than last year, so local tourism officials say competing with other states will still be something of a challenge.

Eylon says his agency’s “core services” will continue with no interruptions.