Ohio to launch advertising campaign to attract visitors

COLUMBUS (AP) — Ohio officials are launching an advertising campaign aimed at attracting visitors to the state’s tourist destinations.

The campaign that began today includes a 30-second TV spot, along with print and digital advertising featuring the new “Ohio. Find It Here.” brand.

The television ad is expected to air in the Youngstown, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Lima and Toledo and markets. It’ll also run in Detroit and Pittsburgh.

Tourism Director Mary Cusick says the TV ads primarily target Ohioans because most of the state’s 200 million visits come from travelers inside Ohio.

She says the campaign is expected to cost between $6 million and $8 million for the year. The effort aims to boost the number visits and build awareness about Ohio’s attractions.

The tourism industry generated $40 billion in sales in 2014.