About us

Q: What makes Shores & Islands Ohio unique as a CVB/DMO?

We represent two counties —Erie County and Ottawa County—and operate as a single regional destination organization working together to market the Shores & Islands area as one place to visit.

Q: Are you a nonprofit organization?

Yes. Shores & Islands Ohio is a nonprofit organization. Our mission is to support the region’s visitor economy by promoting Erie and Ottawa counties as a destination and helping connect travelers with local experiences and businesses.

Q: Why does tourism matter to the community?

Tourism helps power the local economy. Visitor spending supports jobs and helps generate revenue for local businesses—restaurants, attractions, shops, marinas, galleries, service providers, and more. Tourism also helps sustain amenities residents enjoy, strengthens the area’s reputation, and supports the long-term vitality of the region.

Boutique shop

At Shores & Islands Ohio, everything we do is rooted in connection. We see ourselves as both concierge and collaborator, bringing people together through partnerships that attract visitors, engage residents, support local businesses, and strengthen the communities that make our region special.

Every visit here is more than a trip. It’s an experience. It’s a chance to learn something new, discover the unexpected, and create lasting memories. From thrilling adventures to peaceful getaways, the Shores & Islands region offers something for every generation.

That spark you feel the first time you visit? It’s the same energy that turns a summer job into a lifelong career, or inspires an entrepreneur to build a business here. Shores & Islands Ohio isn’t just a destination. It’s a community. It’s a sense of belonging, a place to put down roots, and a home people hold close to their hearts.

We invite you to explore what makes our region so unique. Whether you’re planning your next getaway, considering a move, or exploring business opportunities, our Visit • Live • Work pages can help you discover all the ways to find your Lake Erie Love in Shores & Islands Ohio.

Who We Are

Shores & Islands Ohio is the official Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) for Erie and Ottawa Counties. Each year, nearly 11 million visitors experience our region’s world-class attractions, breathtaking lake views, welcoming accommodations, and incredible dining, supporting countless locally owned businesses along the way.

Our Mission

Enhance the destination’s economic vitality through collaborative promotion and creation of memorable experiences that increase visitor engagement, thus enhancing the region’s quality of life.

Our Leadership

Shores & Islands Ohio is guided by a volunteer Board of Directors representing local businesses, community organizations, and government. Together, they provide vision, oversight, and a shared commitment to keeping our region thriving.
View our Board Members →

FAQ's

Are you a Chamber of Commerce?

No. Shores & Islands Ohio is a destination marketing organization (often called a Convention & Visitors Bureau, or CVB), not a chamber of commerce.

A chamber of commerce typically focuses on supporting local businesses through advocacy, networking, workforce topics, and business-to-business resources.
A CVB/DMO focuses on bringing visitors to the destination by marketing the region, supporting tourism-related sales efforts, and connecting travelers with places to stay, eat, shop, and explore.

What makes Shores & Islands Ohio unique as a CVB/DMO?

We represent two counties—Erie County and Ottawa County—and operate as a single regional destination organization working together to market the Shores & Islands area as one place to visit.

Are you a nonprofit organization?

Yes. Shores & Islands Ohio is a nonprofit organization.

Our mission is to support the region’s visitor economy by promoting Erie and Ottawa counties as a destination and helping connect travelers with local experiences and businesses.

If you’re funded by lodging tax, why do partners pay membership or participation costs?

Membership helps expand what we can do—and ensures businesses who benefit most are actively engaged.

Participation fees help cover real costs such as:

Destination marketing programs and campaign development
Content creation (photo/video, stories, seasonal guides)
Digital tools and technology that power listings, promotions, and reporting
Sales materials and visitor services that connect travelers to businesses

Just as important: a financial buy-in encourages participation, which usually means better listings, better offers, better information for visitors—and better results for the partner.

Why does tourism matter to the community?

Tourism helps power the local economy. Visitor spending supports jobs and helps generate revenue for local businesses—restaurants, attractions, shops, marinas, galleries, service providers, and more.

Tourism also helps sustain amenities residents enjoy, strengthens the area’s reputation, and supports the long-term vitality of the region.

Are you funded by local residents’ taxes?

No. Shores & Islands Ohio is primarily funded through lodging tax (often called “bed tax”).

That means the funding largely comes from visitors who stay overnight in lodging accommodations—helping support destination marketing and visitor services without relying on general taxes paid by local residents.