SANDUSKY, Ohio — Approximately 8 million tourists visit Erie County, home of Cedar Point in Sandusky each year. Tourists spent more than $1.75 billion in the county in 2005, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Midwest.

The top reason for these visits is Cedar Point Amusement Park and Resort.

The following information is compiled through a collaborative effort of John Moldovan, Sandusky Chamber of Commerce president; Dawn Weinhardt, Sandusky — Erie County Convention and Visitors Bureau office manager and Robin Innes, Cedar Point public relations director:

• Erie County population — 79,551

• of that Sadusky population — 27,844

• Erie County area — 264 square miles

• since 1987 hotel rooms increased from 2,593 to 5,893

• in 2001 the county’s first indoor water park opened, three more have opened and three more are in progress

• 33,300 people directly employed in the Erie County tourism industry

• earning $535.8 million in wages

• paying $80.7 million in state taxes

• paying $49.3 million n local taxes

• Cedar Point —

    • opened 138 years ago

    • encompasses 364 acres

    • has approximately 3 million visitors per year    

    • employs approximately 5,000 seasonal and 300 year-round employees

    • house 3,000 employees — 2,000 come from 25 miles of the park

According to Moldovan Cedar Point has its own police, firefighters, highway patrol and a nice working relationship with the city of Sandusky.

“Cedar Point is an entire segment of our economy,” said Moldovan.

With 68 rides, including 17 roller coasters counting the new $21 million roller coaster, “Maverick,” four kids areas, Cedar Point, pumps millions of dollars into the economy.

These benefits include direct and indirect effects on the county of Erie and the city of Sandusky through tourism and employee, amusement admission and hotel taxes. The trickle down effects the motels/hotels, restaurants, stores and gas stations. Schools are benefited through taxes and student employment.

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