Photo Provided Belmont County Tourism Director Jackee Pugh visits the Statehouse in Columbus on Wednesday to take part in Ohio Tourism Day.

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — Summer is just around the corner, and it seems everyone is ready to travel.

To help spur tourism, Belmont County Tourism partnered with TourismOhio and joined more than 120 other attractions and destinations from across the state for the 2023 Ohio Tourism Day, held Wednesday at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus. Hundreds of people, looking to make summer plans, attended the event.

To kick off the day, Gov. Mike DeWine unveiled Ohio’s new brand: “Ohio, The Heart of it All.” The beloved theme with a modern twist captures the state’s Midwestern warmth and invites people to create a life they love here in Ohio.

“Thanks to all of our tourism partners for taking part in this unique event that offers visitors a chance to discover new attractions and destinations that showcase all Ohio has to offer as a place of adventure, a place of promise, and the place for you,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of Ohio Department of Development.

“Ohio Tourism Day is a great reminder that our state is the heart of it all, with something for everyone to enjoy,” said Jackee Pugh, executive director of Belmont County Tourism Council. “The day allowed us to have one-on-one conversations with potential visitors who were looking to take road trips in Ohio to areas of natural beauty, full of recreation and relaxation. They may travel to Belmont County seeking our outdoor recreation options, but also spend their time at nearby restaurants, hotels, retailers and other attractions that call Belmont County home.”

Every year, Ohio Tourism Day celebrates Ohio’s tourism industry and offers visitors the chance to explore vacation ideas across the state. Belmont County Tourism Council set up a display and talked to potential travelers eager to learn more about all the exciting things to do in the area.

Belmont County Tourism Council Inc. is a nonprofit organization believing that the promotion of tourism and economic development is of prime importance. The purpose of the organization is to actively promote the area’s attractions and events and carry on other duties necessary to promote Belmont County as a great place to visit!