Mary Cusick, director of TourismOhio, had the opportunity Tuesday to visit tourist attractions throughout Richland County, including such places as the historic Ohio State Reformatory, the Richland Carrousel Park, Malabar Farm, and the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.
As part of her role as the director of TourismOhio, Cusick travels throughout the state to experience the different attractions that areas have to offer. “There’s nothing better than firsthand experience,” she said.
During her visit to Mansfield, she toured the historic Ohio State Reformatory. “I think the building is amazing, and there’s so much space. I have to hand it to community leaders and volunteers who have had the passion and effort to restore a building this size and scope,” she commented.
She added, “I think the diversity of what we get to see here in Richland County and Mansfield is amazing and it’s not unlike that throughout the state.”
Reiterating the value of tourism, Cusick referenced a conversation she shared with a Reformatory tour guide, Ron Puff, saying, “We heard our guide, Ron, tell us today about how important tourism is, and how it helps keep this particular attraction [the Reformatory] going.”
The State of Ohio saw 195 million visits last year from in-state, out-of-state and international visitors, she said. “Most tourist visits have to do with people from our own state…but we know that there’s more opportunity for people in contiguous states, especially, to begin to grow and bring more and more people from outside our state, which is extra good because that drives tax revenue and helps secure jobs for Ohioans,” she said.
Tourism accounts for 405,000 jobs in the state, she said.
As the director of TourismOhio, Cusick leads the state’s efforts to brand Ohio as an appealing place to visit. She assumed this position in December of last year.
She shared that TourismOhio has had a chance to do extra advertising this year and refresh marketing communication. “We also have a pilot funding model that frees up more dollars to do marketing communications to promote Ohio,” she said.
Although out-of-state attractions pose a threat to tourism in Ohio, Cusick noted, “We’re seeing growth year after year.”
She added, “Consumers are feeling a little better, a little more stable, about spending money on things like a weekend away.
Zeroing in on the Richland County area, she said, “This area is really fortunate. Lee [Tasseff] is a statewide recognized leader in tourism, so you really have a voice here, and the contributions of this part of the state are highly recognized and regarded.”
Tasseff, who serves as the president of the Mansfield/Richland County Convention & Visitors Burea, was appreciative of Cusick being able to make the trip to the county and said the visit will allow her to become another “ambassador” to the area, “which is great,” he said.
Tasseff also highlighted some of the upcoming events slated to occur within the county, such as the Heart of the City Cruise In, the Shawshank Redemption 20-year reunion, and the NASCAR Nationwide Series.
According to data presented by the Mansfield/Richland County Convention & Visitors Bureau, tourism is Richland County’s fourth largest employer. The tourism industry supports 4,349 jobs and produces $8.5 million in local tax revenues, $83 million in payroll, and $290.4 million in total sales, the data stated.
“Our tourism season really doesn’t stop until Halloween is done, and that’s the best part—it just doesn’t cut out at summertime and then we take a hiatus until skiing,” said Tasseff.
“I think the diversity of what we get to see here in Richland County and Mansfield is amazing and it’s not unlike that throughout the state,” said Mary Cusick.
