Hocking Hills Convention and Visitors Bureau

WWW.1800HOCKING.COM is The Official Website of the Hocking Hills Tourism Association, a non-profit organization made up of local businesses and individuals dedicated to making your visit to the Hocking Hills interesting and enjoyable.

The Hocking Hills Tourism Association is a convention and visitors bureau dedicted to marketing and promoting the Hocking Hills Region and Hocking County, Ohio to visitors. Lodging tax remitted to the county funds most CVBs, and tourism promotion shows a large return on investment for local governments. Studies from the Ohio Div. of Travel and Tourism show that for every $1 invested in tourism advertising, $149 is generated in trip spending.

Tourism in the Hocking Hills of Southeast Ohio is a important industry. Studies show that visitor expenditures in 2005 had an impact of $267.6 million in Hocking County alone. This resulted in $6.6 million in local taxes and employs 4,000 people.

The Hocking Hills State Park is the area's major attraction, which features the natural areas of Old Man's Cave, Ash Cave, Cedar Falls, Cantwell Cliffs, Lake Logan and Rock House. In 2006, park officials estimated that 2.5 million people visited the parks, which feature areas unlike any other in Ohio, with waterfalls, craggy caves and dense forests.

With the park as the marquee attraction, small business entrepreneurs have created many complimentary experiences for travelers including shops, lodging establishments, attractions, activities, galleries and more. In the membership of Hocking Hills Tourism Association, there are more than 200 lodging businesses, most being cabin and cottage facilities, but there is a wide range of options that even include a tipi, yurt, train caboose or modern hotels. There are more than 50 shops and 30 dining spots in HHTA 's membership; and another 150 businesses that offer activities, event planning services and more.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Hocking Hills Tourism Association is to promote the growth of responsible tourism through marketing strategies and programs that balance economic growth with the need to preserve the natural and cultural heritage in the Hocking Hills Region.

Marketing Endeavors

The Hocking Hills Tourism Association's marketing efforts, through a comprehensive publicity program, promote the attractions, destinations, events and businesses of the tourism industry in the Hocking Hills. Years of excellence in Hocking Hills, Ohio promotion have been recognized again and again through industry marketing awards. Specific marketing activities include:

Publicity

Editorial copy and press releases about the Hocking Hills are submitted to hundreds of national, regional and local publications. HHTA fills the requests of travel writers, as well as supplying editorial copy when requested. Hocking Hills pictures are distributed from our photo library for use in many articles and publications.

Advertising

HHTA runs print advertising in regional markets within a day’s drive of the Hocking Hills. Ads feature the entire region as a destination. 1-800-HOCKING and www.1800hocking.com are marketed as the call to action for all HHTA advertising.

Toll-free number

Thousands of visitor inquiries are made each year through 1-800-HOCKING and fulfilled by Welcome Center Travel Counselors and staff.

Internet/Website

www.1800hocking.com is the official website of HHTA, and only lists members. The site contains visitor information, a listing of all HHTA members, pictures, maps, a calendar of events, Visitors Guide request forms, and the ability to make online lodging requests. The website is actively promoted throughout the year.

Welcome Centers

HHTA operates two Welcome Centers in Hocking County. The Hocking Hills Regional Welcome Center in Logan at U.S. 33 and St. Rt. 664 assists approximately 41,000 visitors a year and is the location of HHTA administrative offices. In spring of 2003, the Visitor Center in Laurelville was moved to its new log cabin location on St. Rt. 56 and now serves approximately 5,400 visitors annually. This site is helpful for visitors entering the region through western Hocking County. Staffed by friendly and faithful volunteers, both Centers allow visitors to pick up member brochures, ask directions, learn Hocking County history and check lodging availability. Members are encouraged to volunteer as Travel Counselors at the Centers.

Press Tours

Visits to the Hocking Hills for travel writers are coordinated by HHTA and other organizations and hosted by local businesses. Press tours allow writers to experience the Hocking Hills first-hand.

Travel Shows and Events

HHTA represents the Hocking Hills and our members at about 15 travel and trade shows a year. These shows include travel and sports shows in Columbus, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Indiana and Michigan, the Washboard Festival, Lilyfest and the Ohio State Fair.

Cooperative Advertising and Efforts

With HHTA’s membership and participation in regional and statewide marketing groups, we are able to stretch our marketing dollars by sharing advertising expenses, travel show entry fees and co-hosting and organizing press tours. The "99 Thrills in the Hocking Hills" brochure is the product of a partnership with Athens and Fairfield Counties.

Events

The annual Hocking Hills Indian Run is coordinated and promoted by HHTA. Other special events allow visitors to experience the area in a different light.

Community Relations

A proud member of the Hocking Hills community, HHTA promotes responsible tourism to local residents through newspaper articles, assisting with community efforts, clean-ups and sponsorships.