Airport News

Reinvigorates Cooperative Effort to Showcase the Akron-Canton Destination

Akron/Canton, Ohio - The Akron-Canton Airport, Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau, and Visit Canton have joined forces to reinvigorate a cooperative effort to showcase the Akron-Canton area as one, attractive regional destination.

The main asset to the regional tourism effort is the shared operation of a Visitor Information Center at the Akron-Canton Airport. The visitor center acts as an educational asset for travelers to discover all that the Canton/Stark and Akron/Summit regions have to offer including museums, dining, entertainment, and outdoor recreation.

The three organizations have been long-standing partners, launching the first Visitor Information Center at the airport in the 1990s, and participating in numerous cooperative sales and marketing initiatives throughout the following years to promote the destination both locally and nationwide. The $175,000 renovation of the Visitor Information Center at Akron-Canton Airport, an expense shared between the three organizations, reinvests in the longstanding strategy of working together to promote and position the region as a destination.

“The Akron-Canton Airport is a natural location to build visitors’ awareness of this region’s unique attractions and destinations, and visitors do not plan their experiences around county lines.” said Allyson Bussey, President of Visit Canton, the Stark County Convention & Visitors’ Bureau.

The request for design-build services was issued by the Akron-Canton Airport in August 2019, planning and implementation began shortly after with Beaver Constructors, Inc. and The Thrasher Group, Inc. selected as the construction and design partners in the project. Upgrades to the space include an updated welcome desk, flooring, shelving and display cases, as well as a new smart TV monitor for promotional graphics, videos, and welcome messages.

“Continuing its dynamic role as one of our community’s key assets, the Akron-Canton Airport serves the travel needs of regional residents and visitors with exceptional facilities, access and value,” states Gregg Mervis, President & CEO of the Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau. “CAK’s investments in our community underscore their commitment to being a strategic partner with local businesses, educational institutions and economic development organizations.”

“We look forward to deepening our long-standing partnerships with the Akron/Summit CVB and Visit Canton, both of which are so valuable for our customers,” said Ren Camacho, President & CEO of the Akron-Canton Airport. “Creating a unified presence for the Akron-Canton area is vital in educating potential inbound travelers of the region’s many assets and worthiness. And as tourism numbers increase, demand for air service increases, so it's a win-win situation for the entire region.”

AKRON-CANTON AIRPORT

What makes Akron-Canton Airport a better way to go? At CAK, we’re all about offering our customers a convenient, relaxing and enjoyable experience. Travelers love our big airport amenities and small airport feel. We are proud to offer nonstop service to 11 destinations and one-stop access to the globe aboard four exceptional airline partners. Keep up to date on all things CAK at akroncantonairport.com

CONTACT:

Christian McCauley, Marketing and Social Media Coordinator
cmccauley@akroncantonairport.com | 330.499.4059

AKRON/SUMMIT CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

The Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau was created in 1973 to promote Greater Akron/Summit County as an ideal destination for meetings, conventions, expositions, group tours, and leisure travel pursuits. The Bureau is funded solely by the bed tax collected from visitors utilizing Summit County hotels/motels.

CONTACT:

Jim Mahon, Vice President of Marketing & Brand Management
jmahon@visitakron-summit.org | 330.374.8945

VISIT CANTON

The Stark County Convention & Visitors’ Bureau, d.b.a. Visit Canton, is funded by a lodging tax administered through the Stark County Commissioners. The organization’s mission is to promote travel to Stark County. Visit Canton facilitates operations that support the travel and tourism industry in Stark County that generates a $1.7 billion economic impact.

CONTACT:

Tonja Marshall, Executive Vice President – Marketing & Communication
tonjam@visitcanton.com | 330.454.1439