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Tourism office touts 'record year,' aims new strategic plan at OU ties and smaller communities
Summary
Boone Troyer told commissioners the Athens County CVB had its strongest year, reported tools to measure visitor flows and growth, and previewed a strategic plan for 2026 to deepen Ohio University ties and support smaller towns.
Boone Troyer, director of the Athens County Convention & Visitors Bureau, told the Board of Commissioners on Nov. 18 that 2025 was "a record year," with the bureau recruiting national events, moving into a more visible headquarters and expanding grant programs.
Troyer said the bureau will launch a strategic plan in January 2026 focused on operational checklists, stronger Ohio University relationships, and elevating smaller communities through mayor engagement and local asset development. The bureau has also expanded grant funding (from $15,000 to $45,000 over three years) and added innovation awards.
On measurement, Troyer said the CVB is using Placer AI geofencing and spend-estimate tools to measure visitor origins and dwell times and attributes roughly 7% quarterly growth to CVB activity after normalizing for room supply and ADR changes. Commissioners asked for short (one- to two‑page) economic-impact summaries that would include jobs supported and spend lift; the CVB agreed to provide them and to offer one‑on‑one briefings for commissioners.
Why it matters: The CVB positions tourism as economic development supporting lodging, dining and retail, and emphasized a strategy to grow tourism without causing over‑tourism pressure on local assets.
Quote: "Most successful year in the organization's history—highest number of national events brought to the area and sustained growth each quarter," Troyer said as he reviewed 2025 highlights and 2026 priorities.
Next steps: The bureau will furnish compact economic summaries and continue to coordinate with county planning staff on initiatives such as proposed riverway/paddling routes and motorcycle/gravel touring routes.
