Marietta-Washington County Convention & Visitors Bureau Executive Director Deana Clark discusses the revenue increase due to the bed tax during Tuesday evening’s annual meeting. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

MARIETTA — The Marietta-Washington County Convention & Visitors Bureau highlighted tourism growth, upcoming marketing efforts and plans tied to America 250 during its annual meeting Tuesday evening at the Lafayette Hotel.

Executive Director Deana Clark said the bureau saw an increase in bed-tax revenue over the past fiscal year, signaling continued growth in visitor activity.

“We’ve seen a 6.1% increase in our bed-tax revenue for Marietta and Washington County, which we see as a great indicator that people are coming to Marietta and enjoying all the attractions that we have here,” Clark said.

Clark said river cruise tourism remained strong, with cruise ships stopping in Marietta last year.

“I think 17 or 18 boats came in last year with the cruise lines,” Clark said. “They visited our attractions and our downtown as well. We often hear that we have been their favorite town so far.”

Tourism Ohio Director Sarah Wickham, chief communications and marketing officer for the Ohio Department of Development, right, presents on strategies to develop tourism in Ohio. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

Board Treasurer Mike Iaderosa presented the bureau’s financial report, noting total revenue of $469,144 for the year, including bed-tax funding from the city and county, membership fees, visitor guide sales and income from operating the Marietta trolley. Total expenses were reported at $483,534, resulting in a small deficit attributed to one-time accounting transition costs.

Clark highlighted the bureau’s decision to purchase and operate the trolley as a major initiative in 2025, saying it created additional work for staff but helped introduce visitors to local attractions and history.

“We marketed it as the first thing to do when folks come into Marietta,” Clark said. “If they ride the trolley, we’re able to tell them about all the different attractions that are in town.”

Marketing Director Shannon Beecham said the annual meeting provides an opportunity to reflect on the bureau’s work and outline future priorities.

“It’s our chance to invite our partners in the community to the meeting, just to show them what we have done, what we’re planning to do, what the year ahead looks like, and just get any community feedback,” Beecham said.

Marietta-Washington County Convention & Visitors Bureau Board President Cheri Seevers welcomes guests to the CVB’s annual meeting on Tuesday at the Lafayette Hotel. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

The bureau announced plans to partner with the Ohio River Sternwheel Festival to host a regional travel show Sept. 12 at the Armory, where destinations and attractions from across the state will be invited to exhibit.

Tourism Ohio Director Sarah Wickham, chief communications and marketing officer for the Ohio Department of Development, delivered the keynote address and emphasized tourism’s economic impact statewide. Wickham said Ohio welcomed 242 million visitors last year who spent $57 billion, supporting 443,000 jobs and generating $4.7 billion in state and local tax revenue.

“Tourism isn’t just about trips,” Wickham said. “It’s about connection.”

Wickham also pointed to Washington County’s local impact, saying tourism represents a $200 million district supporting more than 1,900 jobs and generating $16.9 million in state and local taxes.

The bureau said it is focusing marketing efforts on America 250 and the 50th anniversary of the Ohio River Sternwheel Festival in 2026, with an emphasis on promoting Washington County’s historic role in the nation’s early development.

Gwen Sour can be reached at gsour@newsandsentinel.com