Tourists are steadily coming into the Steubenville area, following a string of summer festivals around the city and events at Historic Fort Steuben in June.

Officials with the Visitor's Bureau said thousands of people visited Steubenville from as far as Cleveland and New York to Australia. Many attended the popular Dean Martin festival while more locals stopped by Fort Steuben's events.

"I think it's great that people are coming in from different areas," said Kayla Thomas, a Steubenville native. "It helps generate revenue around here."

Historic Fort Steuben Executive Director Judy Bratten said the number of visitors is about the same as last year, but it jumped from 2010. Effective marketing and advertising is a big factor why more people are discovering the city, Bratten said.

"We've noticed that the billboards along the highway have been effective because we have asked people how did they hear about Steubenville," said Bratten. "They often say 'well we passed the billboard on the highway,' or else on the Internet."

According to Bratten, other tools, like Discover Ohio's website, also help with advertising.
Officials said revenue is about $3,500 from general admissions since January, not including money raised from the summer events. Bratten said a total number in sales for the city won't be available until the end of the year.