Warren County CVB Named National Sports Tourism Organization of the Year
04/29/15
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Scott Hutchinson, Communications Manager | 513-204-7046 | shutchinson@wccvb.org
Warren County CVB Named National Sports Tourism Organization of the Year
WARREN COUNTY, OH (April 28, 2015) – Warren County Sports, a division of the Warren County Convention & Visitors Bureau (WCCVB), was named Sports Tourism Organization of the Year by the National Association of Sports Commissions (NASC) Tuesday at the NASC Symposium. The NASC, which governs the $8.96 billion sports events industry, recognized the WCCVB in its “population under 250,000” category."
The mission of the WCCVB is economic development through tourism, and sports tourism is an integral part of that mission,” said Phillip S. Smith, President & CEO of the WCCVB. “Warren County Sports works to attract hundreds of thousands of people who spend millions of dollars at our local establishments, and we’re highly appreciative of this recognition.”
The WCCVB Sports Marketing Department, which serves to develop and recruit sporting events that generate visitor growth, spending and overnight stays in Warren County, created, hosted, or assisted in the implementation of more than 90 sporting events in 2014. Those events attracted more than 80,000 visitors to the county, while generating an estimated $38,421,727 in economic impact.
Among the largest events orchestrated by the WCCVB in 2014 were the USA Ultimate College National Championships and NCAA Division III Cross Country National Championships.
Ben Huffman, Director of Sports Marketing for the WCCVB, attributes the organization’s success to its region’s tourism-friendly amenities.
“This award is an absolute honor for our organization, but it also speaks volumes about our tourism partners and the nature of Warren County as a whole,” Huffman said. “By being able to offer both outstanding athletic facilities and an awesome array of local restaurants, attractions and hotels, we’re able to ensure our visiting athletes a great experience both on and off the playing field.”
Looking forward, Warren County Sports plans to host more than 100 sporting events in 2015, attracting more than 178,000 visitors and accounting for more than 70,000 room nights at local hotels and bed & breakfasts.
Highlights of the 2015 event schedule include the NCAA Division III Tennis National Championships, Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) State Tennis Championships, and Big East Conference Cross Country Championships.
Warren County Sports is a department of the Warren County Convention & Visitors Bureau.
The department bids on and facilitates national championships and regional sporting events, with the primary goal of attracting out-of-town competitors.
Since its inception in 2004, Warren County Sports has grown to become an extremely successful driver of room nights and economic impact to the local community.
In 2014, Warren County Sports generated 69,000 room nights and an estimated economic impact of more than $38.4 million.
About the Warren County Convention & Visitors Bureau:
Warren County is Ohio’s Largest Playground! With easy access from Interstates 71 and 75, visitors to Warren County can enjoy more activities within a 30-mile radius than anywhere else in Ohio.
The Warren County Convention & Visitors Bureau is a professional destination marketing organization committed to economic growth by increasing overnight and year-round visitors.
Tourism is the leading industry in Warren County. The 11.2 million yearly visitors drive an economic impact of $1.063 billion and 11,866 tourism-related jobs.
For additional information, visit www.OhiosLargestPlayground.com or call 800-433-1072.