The Warren County Convention and Visitors Bureau has been honored with four RUBY Awards from the Ohio Travel Association, according to the Dayton Daily News. The bureau took first place in the Spirit of Community category. It also earned second-place recognition in the E-newsletter, Annual Report and Digital Campaign categories. The organization was named a finalist in marketing campaign, website, blog, travel guide, promotional video and social media categories.
The awards follow news that the Warren County Sports Park will serve as one of three regional locations for the 2027 MLS NEXT Cup. The tournament is the postseason championship for Major League Soccer's elite youth league and debuted in 2021. About 350 teams across six age groups from U13 to U19 are expected to compete June 5-13. Southwest Ohio becomes the fourth region to host, following Dallas, Nashville and Salt Lake City.
MLS estimates the cup will produce $30 million in economic activity across southwest Ohio and account for 50,000 hotel room nights. Butler County's Voice of America Park is scheduled to host the Ohio Regional MLS NEXT Cup Qualifier April 9-12 before sharing finals duties with the Warren County Sports Complex and FC Cincinnati's TQL Stadium.
Tourism is described as Warren County's leading industry. The county welcomes an estimated 14 million visitors annually, generates $1.74 billion in economic impact each year and supports more than 14,000 tourism-related jobs.
Phillip S. Smith, president and CEO of the WCCVB, attributed the recognition to the team's passion and creativity in promoting the county, and said the Ohio Travel Association supports tourism statewide. Warren County Commissioner Dave Young said the sports park was designed for high-impact events and welcomed the chance to show visitors what the area offers.