Cleveland Tourism Breaks Records with 18.6 Million Visitors and $6.9 Billion Spent in 2024

Cleveland's Tourism Sector Shows Growth, But Still Faces Challenges

Cleveland has seen a notable increase in tourism this year, with 18.6 million visitors recorded in 2024. This represents a 1.5% rise compared to the previous year, although it still falls short of the city’s pre-pandemic peak. The influx of tourists contributed significantly to the local economy, with visitors spending $6.9 billion during their trips—a 4% increase from the previous year and a new record.

David Gilbert, president and CEO of Destination Cleveland, highlighted the importance of tourism to the region. “Travel and tourism is a powerful growth engine for Cleveland, driving billions of dollars in local impact and supporting tens of thousands of jobs and families,” he said. The report was released early Tuesday, offering insights into the city's evolving tourism landscape.

One of the key factors behind the increase in visitation was a rebound in business travel. According to the tourism organization, business travel rose by 7% compared to 2023. Business travelers, including those attending conventions and meetings, are more likely to stay overnight, which typically leads to higher spending. Gilbert noted that these travelers are also more likely to be first-time visitors to Cleveland.

Expanding the number of first-time visitors is crucial for the city, as those who experience Cleveland are more open to returning and even considering living and investing in the area. “People who experience Cleveland are far more open to visiting again, and ultimately living here and investing here,” Gilbert added.

The growth in Cleveland’s tourism sector mirrors broader trends across Ohio, where the state welcomed a record 242 million visitors in 2024—an increase from 238 million in 2023. However, despite this progress, tourism in Cleveland continues to lag behind the record set six years ago. In 2019, Cuyahoga County welcomed 19.6 million visitors, which was also when Destination Cleveland aimed to attract 20 million visitors by 2020. The pandemic disrupted this trajectory, causing a sharp decline in travel globally.

Since then, some destinations—especially those focused on outdoor activities—have experienced a surge in visitation. However, large international cities have not seen similar growth. For example, New York City is expected to see a drop in visitors this year, partly due to a decline in international travelers.

According to Travel research firm Tourism Economics, there is a projected 8.2% drop in international arrivals in 2025. This is attributed to new tariffs, economic factors, and concerns about changes in customs enforcement and immigration policies in the United States. While Cleveland does not track the number of international visitors, Gilbert mentioned that the city may be experiencing a decrease in Canadian tourists. However, he emphasized that this is not expected to have a major impact on the local tourism industry.

Tourism plays a significant role in the regional economy, with one in 14 jobs in Cuyahoga County related to the tourism sector. This includes over 20,000 workers in the food and beverage industry. Additionally, visitors contribute to tax revenue, generating $1.6 billion in 2024. According to Destination Cleveland, this equates to a tax savings of approximately $1,460 per household in the county.

Another challenge for Cleveland is the loss of potential economic impact from the International Studies Association, a large organization of scholars from over 80 countries. The association recently announced it would no longer consider Cleveland for future conventions, citing Ohio legislation it believes undermines LGBTQ rights and targets immigrants. Gilbert expressed concern over this development, calling it a first of its kind. “I don’t know if it’s going to be the last,” he said. He added that the world is becoming increasingly divided, and the effects of such decisions may be felt in ways that have not been seen before.

Key Statistics: Cleveland’s Tourism Economy in 2024

• Total visitors: 18.6 million
• Day visitors: 58%
• Overnight visitors: 42%
• Economic impact: $6.9 billion in direct sales, $11.4 billion in indirect and induced spending
• Tourism jobs: 70,200

Historical Visitor Numbers (2015–2024)

• 2024: 18.6 million
• 2023: 18.3 million
• 2022: 17.9 million
• 2021: 16.1 million
• 2020: 13.8 million
• 2019: 19.6 million
• 2018: 19.2 million
• 2017: 18.5 million
• 2016: 18 million
• 2015: 17.6 million

A visitor is generally defined as someone who travels at least 50 miles from home and not as part of a normal routine.