Visitor Spending, Jobs, and Economic Impact Continue to Rise

Tourism continues to be a strong economic driver for Montgomery County, according to newly released economic impact data.

According to a study released by Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics company, in partnership with TourismOhio, visitors to Montgomery County spent $1.7 billion at local hotels, restaurants, attractions, retailers, entertainment venues, and other businesses in 2025. That visitor spending represented a 1% increase over 2023.

“Conventions, travel, and tourism are big business for Montgomery County and serve as a vital source of economic development for our community, as well as an important source of per household tax burden relief,” states John Oney, President & CEO of Destination Dayton.

The Tourism Economics study also indicates:

  • 23,022 total jobs (including full-time and part-time jobs) in Montgomery County in 2025 were supported by visitor spending, accounting for 6.8% of all jobs in Montgomery County
  • Visitor activity sustained 16,359 direct jobs and an additional 6,663 indirect and induced jobs in Montgomery County
  • Visitor spending, visitor supported jobs, and business sales generated $353 million in government tax revenues in 2025 (State and Local Taxes $177 million)
  • Each household in Montgomery County would need to be taxed an additional $763 to replace the visitor-generated taxes received by state and local governments in 2025

The continued growth reflects Destination Dayton's efforts to attract conventions, conferences, sporting events, military reunions, association meetings, faith-based gatherings, corporate events, tour groups, and leisure travelers who generate overnight stays and visitor spending throughout the region.

"These results belong to our entire hospitality and tourism community," added Oney. "From our hotels, restaurants, attractions, and event venues to our local governments, community organizations, and business partners, everyone plays a role in creating exceptional visitor experiences. Every visitor who chooses Montgomery County supports local businesses, creates jobs, and helps strengthen our economy. This report is proof that when our community works together, everyone benefits."

Recent Trends in Tourism Sales (output) – Source Tourism Economics:

 

 

 

 

Montgomery County direct sales trends:

2023

2024

2025

Sales volume ($mils)

1,615.2

1,634.9

1,651.6

Sales growth, % change

4.1%

1.2%

1.0%

 

This study was conducted by the Tourism Economics group within Oxford Economics.  Tourism Economics combines an understanding of the traveler dynamics with rigorous economics to answer the most important questions facing destinations, investors, and strategic planners.  By combining quantitative methods with industry knowledge, Tourism Economics designs custom market strategies, destination recovery plans, forecasting models, policy analysis, and economic impact studies.  

Oxford Economics, headquartered in Oxford, England with reginal centers in London, New York, and Singapore and multiple global offices, is one of the world’s foremost independent global advisory firms, providing reports, forecasts and analytical tools on 200 countries, 100 industrial sectors and over 3,000 cities. 

As Dayton and Montgomery County’s destination marketing organization, Destination Dayton® collaboratively leads and advocates for the development of the region’s visitor economy, which contributes to a thriving community, a diverse tax base and lifestyle amenities for everyone to enjoy.