Statewide Holiday Promotion Returns for 2026 Season

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) - Dust off the holiday décor and set the table with grandma's china, but don't blow up the air mattress just yet. TourismOhio's Be the Host with the Most (Rooms)! promotion is returning to bring more families together by giving them some alone time.

After a successful debut in 2025, the promotion is once again inviting Ohioans to turn local hotels, inns, and vacation rentals into "extra bedrooms" for visiting loved ones during the holidays. Participating lodging properties across the state are offering exclusive rates and special holiday packages designed to make hosting easier, visiting cozier, and everyone far more comfortable.

"This promotion gives our communities a chance to shine during the holidays, showing guests that Ohio hospitality extends far past their loved one's front doors," said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Department of Development, which oversees TourismOhio, "People feel a connection to Ohio the moment they set foot here. That feeling drives tourism, and inspires return trips, and decisions to stay and make a life here. It's one of our most important economic engines and it all starts with one heart-warming visit."

The Host with the Most promotion will run through Feb. 15, 2027. Hosts and guests alike can find participating partners in their region, discounted rates or offers, and links for direct booking at Ohio.org/HostRooms.

"There's thousands of people coming home to Ohio for the holidays, but chances are your son's outgrown his twin bed and your mother-in-law would definitely prefer a feather mattress over a pull-out couch," said State Tourism Director Sarah Wickham. ""We can't cook the turkey for you, but we hope this campaign and all our holiday content can help make this magical season a little less stressful to plan."

Families looking to make their holidays brighter can check out the 2026 Ohio Holiday Lights Trail and the 2026 Ohio Holiday Events Guide, soon to drop on the Holidays in Ohio landing page on Ohio.org.

Reporters and producers looking for Holidays in Ohio story ideas, road trip inspiration, hidden gems, or interviews about destinations across the state can contact the Ohio Department of Development at [email protected].

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Operating within Ohio's Department of Development, TourismOhio works to showcase all Ohio has to offer as a place of adventure, a place of promise, and the place for you.

The Ohio Department of Development empowers communities to succeed by investing in Ohio's people, places, and businesses. Learn more about our work at development.ohio.gov.

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For Immediate Release:
Nov. 12, 2026

For more information, contact:
[email protected]
(614) 644-9716