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Tough Economy has Travelers Flocking to the Hocking Hills
by HHTA staff
Tough economy has travelers flocking to Ohio’s Hocking Hills for affordable, free, unforgettable experiences
Logan, Ohio – As consumers seek out ways to save money and still enjoy a memorable vacation or getaway, they’re heading to the hills in greater numbers than ever before, according to the Hocking Hills Tourism Association (HHTA). Visits to the area’s official traveler information website, www.1800hocking.com, are up a whopping 45.46% for June 2009 over June ’08.
A free attraction, one of the area’s biggest draws is the Hocking Hills State Park, which saw a remarkable 295,000 visitors in June. That’s up 28.5% from 2008. And the strongest marker of visitor spending, lodging tax receipts, is up 3.37%, impressive in a down economy that’s negatively impacted spending in nearly all other travel sectors.
“Most Ohioans have always known about the wonderful sights, accommodations, dining and activities that the Hocking Hills offers visitors,” said HHTA President Karen Raymore. “But now the rest of the world is discovering us, with new visitors searching us out online and coming from all over to experience our canopy tour, waterfalls, cabins and inns, fine dining, spas and unique experiences. Once they arrive, travelers are delighted to find that just about everything in the Hocking Hills region is either free or amazingly affordable.”
In addition to visitors enjoying FREE access and FREE parking at the spectacular Hocking Hills State Park, HHTA offers FREE Flip Video Cameras for borrowing by travelers staying at area member lodging. A FREE visitors guide, FREE 1-800-Hocking travel counselors and a web page dedicated to outlining FREE activities in the region: www.1800hocking.com/whattodo/admission_free make it even easier for travelers to enjoy the region’s affordable, yet unique attributes.
Located 40 miles southeast of Columbus, Ohio, Hocking Hills offers once-in-a-lifetime experiences that make every day feel like Saturday, with plenty of Admission: FREE activities. The region boasts a wide variety of affordable lodging options, from camping, cabins and cottages to hotels and country inns. In addition to numerous hiking trails, parks and forests, the Hocking Hills area offers unique gift and antique shops, canoeing, horseback riding, golf and more. Complete traveler information on accommodations, festivals and the many sites in the Hocking Hills region is available www.1800Hocking.com or toll-free at 1-800-Hocking (800-462-5464).
Created: Jul. 23, 2009
Last updated: Jul. 23, 2009
