Experience Cleveland

Experience Cleveland
Name	Experience Cleveland
Type	Visitor organization
Location	Cleveland, Ohio, United States
Established	20th century
Area served	Cuyahoga County, Greater Cleveland

Experience Cleveland is a tourism and destination marketing organization promoting Cleveland, Ohio and the surrounding Cuyahoga County, Ohio region. It connects travelers, meeting planners, and residents with cultural institutions such as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland Museum of Art, and entertainment districts including Playhouse Square. The organization works with stakeholders from Greater Cleveland Partnership, Downtown Cleveland Alliance, and regional hospitality providers to increase visitation, conventions, and economic impact.

Overview

Experience Cleveland operates as a convention and visitors bureau that advocates for attractions, lodging, and events across neighborhoods like Ohio City, Tremont, University Circle, and the Detroit–Shoreway area. It collaborates with major venues such as Quicken Loans Arena (also known as Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse), Progressive Field, and Jacob's Field through destination promotion and bid support. The organization liaises with municipal entities including City of Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and regional transportation agencies to coordinate visitor services, convention sales, and marketing campaigns.

History and Culture

Rooted in early 20th‑century civic boosterism tied to industrial leaders associated with Standard Oil and the Van Sweringen brothers, the bureau evolved alongside cultural investments like the founding of the Cleveland Orchestra and the construction of the Terminal Tower. The postwar era saw partnerships with organizations such as the Greater Cleveland Growth Association and later the Greater Cleveland Partnership to reposition Cleveland from an industrial hub to a cultural tourism destination. Redevelopment projects in the late 20th and early 21st centuries—linked to initiatives by Mayor Jane Campbell, Mayor Michael R. White, and Mayor Frank G. Jackson—supported revitalization of Public Square and the growth of districts anchored by institutions including Case Western Reserve University and the Cleveland Clinic.

Attractions and Landmarks

The region promoted by the organization includes world‑class institutions like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on the shores of Lake Erie, the Cleveland Museum of Art in University Circle with collections on par with the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Art Institute of Chicago, and the historic West Side Market in Ohio City. Other notable sites include Cleveland Botanical Garden, the Great Lakes Science Center, and the preserved architecture of the Euclid Avenue Historic District. Waterfront redevelopment along the Cuyahoga River and the Erieview Tower area is presented alongside cultural anchors such as Playhouse Square—the nation's second‑largest performing arts center—and museums like the National Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame and the USS COD Submarine Memorial.

Arts, Food, and Festivals

Experience Cleveland highlights culinary institutions and festivals that draw regional and national attention. The local food scene spans longtime establishments such as Slyman's Deli and modern chefs affiliated with Cleveland's Restaurant Week promotions. Annual events promoted include Heinen's Downtown ClevelandHoliday Lights-era programming, neighborhood block parties, and major festivals like Cleveland International Film Festival, IngenuityFest, and Cleveland Oktoberfest; these are coordinated with partners including Destination Cleveland-area promoters and hospitality groups. The organization works with arts entities such as the Playhouse Square Foundation, the Cleveland Play House, and contemporary galleries in Ohio City to showcase performing arts, visual arts, and culinary innovation.

Sports and Recreation

The bureau markets Cleveland’s professional sports franchises—Cleveland Guardians, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Cleveland Browns—as cornerstones of visitor draw for seasons, playoff campaigns, and marquee events. It supports tournament bids and fan experiences at venues including Progressive Field and FirstEnergy Stadium while working with collegiate athletics from Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland State University for conventions and alumni events. Outdoor recreation along Lake Erie—marinas, fishing fleets, and sailing clubs—and greenspaces such as Edgewater Park, Washington Park, and the Cleveland Metroparks system are integral to promoting active tourism and eco‑tourism tied to the region’s natural assets.

Transportation and Visitor Information

Experience Cleveland coordinates with transportation providers to facilitate visitor movement: regional air service at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, rail connections via Cleveland Lakefront Station and intercity Amtrak, and local transit by Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority. Parking, bike‑share, and rideshare options are publicized for convention delegates and leisure travelers arriving via Interstate 90, Interstate 71, or regional highways. The organization also supplies meeting planners with data on hotel room inventory—including major hotels near Public Square—and conventions space at centers such as the IX Center and the Cleveland Convention Center.

Category:Tourism in Cleveland