News Room

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 6, 2007

Columbus, OH -- Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher today announced the appointment of Amir Eylon as the Director of the Travel and Tourism Division within the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD). As State Tourism Director, Eylon will lead the State's efforts to drive economic development through aggressive marketing of the state’s vibrant travel and tourism industry; attract travelers from outside the state to Ohio; promote travel within the state; and sell Ohio's unique business opportunities for the travel industry.

"The business of tourism is one of Ohio's greatest assets and Amir’s experience and leadership will be extremely valuable as we continue exploring opportunities to enhance Ohio as a business and tourism destination," said Lt. Governor Fisher, who also serves as the Director for the Ohio Department of Development. "I am confident that Amir"s comprehensive knowledge of Ohio tourism will help boost an industry that is already a major economic contributor."

Eylon previously served as Executive Vice President of the Ohio Hotel & Lodging Association, where he was responsible for administration, budgeting, marketing, and overall operations of one of the largest state lodging associations in the nation. Under his leadership, the Association experienced tremendous growth both in terms of membership and industry leadership.

Eylon formerly worked for more than five years at the Ohio Department of Development's Division of Travel and Tourism, serving as Assistant State Tourism Director. At ODOD, he managed a team of 14 in the marketing, public relations, tourism information, research, heritage tourism, and fiscal offices within the Division of Travel and Tourism. He was responsible for leading the state's travel industry outreach strategy and managing industry relations to develop statewide partnerships.

Eylon was also Sales and Marketing Manager for the Steuben County Conference & Visitors Bureau in Corning, New York and has served on several travel and tourism professional boards and committees, including the Ohio Tourism Roundtable; the Ohio Travel Industry Advisory Council; and the International Society of Hospitality Association Executives Board of Directors.

Eylon holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from the University of Dayton. A photo of Amir Eylon is available at http://www.odod.state.oh.us/newsroom/photos/amir.jpg. Eylon's first day at the department is June 25, 2007.

The Ohio Division of Travel and Tourism is the premier source of information for travelers and media about Ohio's vibrant tourism experiences, attractions, and economy. Its marketing programs contributed to estimated visitor spending of $33.1 billion and 560,000 full-time equivalent tourism industry jobs in Ohio in 2005. A part of the Ohio Department of Development, the Division's mission is to promote and celebrate Ohio's unique travel opportunities and market the state’s outstanding quality of life.

Media contacts: Melissa Ament at (614) 466-6619 or Kimber Perfect at (614) 644-0247

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