The Grand Lake St. Marys-area tourism and releated economy continues to grow, as evidenced by figures reported by the Auglaize-Mercer Convention and Visitor's Bureau.
The total economic impact of tourism totaled more than $48.5 million in 2013, up from $44.5 million in 2012 and closer to the pre-algal bloom figure of $51.6 million in 2008.
Moreover, tourism in 2013 supported 2,551 jobs – up from 2,225 in 2012 and very close to the 2,584 jobs reported in 2008.
NOTE: Tourism figures are derived from hotel statistics, and DO NOT include figures from campers, weekenders, or day-trippers. Special thanks to CVB Executive Director Donna Grube for sharing these figures with the LIA.
Auglaize & Mercer Counties 2013 Tourism Spending
Hotel Guests
Gross Room Sales….. $5,102,479
Gasoline, Oil & Auto Repair….. $15,307,437
Restaurants and Clubs….. $17,858,676
Entertainment & Recreation….. $4,133,007
General Retail Purchases….. $6,173,999
Total Tourism Income….. $48,575,598
Total Jobs supported….. 2,551
In the past five years tourism spending by hotel guests has contributed over $269,391,366 to the economies of Auglaize & Mercer Counties.
