CLEVELAND PLAYS THE TOURISM CARD

 CLEVELAND PLAYS THE TOURISM CARD

Cleveland plays the tourism card

Tourism in Cleveland has exploded in recent years. This is hardly surprising given the wealth of tourist activities this city offers. Tourists from all over the world come to Cleveland for its diverse cultural offerings. Cleveland also boasts a substantial sports offering, particularly as a home to the NBA. This growth in tourism in Cleveland has significantly fueled the city's growth. Real estate is also impacted, with prices increasing year after year. Investors have understood this and are increasingly present in the world capital of Rock and Roll.

Tourism in Cleveland

Also read: Investing in real estate in Cleveland

The magnitude of tourism in Cleveland

The first thing you probably don't know is the number of people who come to visit Cleveland each year. Almost 20 million! It's colossal. Last year, in 2019, the city broke its record again by attracting 400,000 more visitors. The growth of the tourism sector in Cleveland is outpacing that of the state of Ohio and even the United States! Of course, the city attracts visitors for its most famous sites like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Museum of Arts, and its sports stadiums. But the city holds much greater potential.

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Cleveland Tourism Through Nature

The city has been dubbed "Forest City." Trails, hikes, treks, camping—the city is made for nature lovers. We're talking about huge wilderness areas close to the city. For example, Cuyahoga National Park, ranked the most beautiful park in the state, is a 25-minute drive from downtown Cleveland. The state of Ohio has embarked on a vast investment plan to connect the various trails between national parks. The goal is to create a large marked hiking network, equivalent to what we know in France thanks to the GR (Grande Randonnée) network. More specifically, we're talking about 300km of new trails planned for 2020. Ecotourism is valued at $44 billion per year.

Water activities attract tourists 

Whether on Lake Erie or its tributaries, many tourists flock to Cleveland's various aquatic spaces. While we're certainly talking about the summer season in particular, it's not uncommon to find a few kayakers right after winter. Canoeing, then, but also lake fishing, jet skiing, rowing, and even paddleboarding! The lake's water is quite warm in summer, at around 24/25 degrees, so you'll see plenty of swimmers on Cleveland's beaches in August. Several music festivals take place each year in Edgewater Park and Euclid Beach.

Transportation and the City of Cleveland

Transportation policy is an important component of the real estate market because this population wants to live in close proximity to the city center and universities. The population is young, and their expectations are no longer those of their parents, who appreciated the city on the outskirts of their workplace. They now favor modern transportation, such as electric scooters or bicycles for short trips to their places of study or work. It should be noted that all of this is encouraged by the city of Cleveland's urban planning policies. In 2017, for example, the municipality built more than 100 km of new bike paths. Also, Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is undergoing a major expansion. Following Cleveland's exponential tourism growth, the airport will transform into a true hub.

Also read: Investing in real estate in Cleveland

The NBA and Cleveland: Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cleveland Cavaliers are world-renowned by NBA fans across the globe. In Cleveland itself, you won't take a step without running into a resident wearing the latest Cavs jersey. Here are five key facts that explain why the Cleveland Cavaliers hold a special place in the NBA.

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1) The beginnings of the Cleveland Cavaliers and the NBA

Before reaching the top, the Cleveland Cavaliers had a rocky start. Their first season, in 1970, got off to a disastrous start, losing their first 15 games. This fiasco continued for the first few years. Their best finish was sixth in the Eastern Conference during their first five seasons. It took numerous defeats, as well as a change of ownership, before they could reverse the trend starting in the late 1980s. Regularly qualifying for the playoffs, the team selected a promising youngster named LeBron James in 2003. The rest is much more well-known, and we'll come back to it later.

2) Unconditionally loyal supporters

The Cleveland Cavaliers are one of the hungriest teams on the court, and their fans perfectly reflect this astonishing drive. The mere mention of "Lebron" evoked intense emotions on both sides. That 2016 Cavaliers series, along with many other legendary performances, went down in history and will be recounted for years to come.

There are many impressive fan stories. One of them is that of two very elderly fans in a nursing home. Regardless of their level of arthritic pain, they never missed an opportunity to head to the TV. After putting on their jerseys, they sit down in front of the TV to cheer on the Cavs together. A Cavalier is a Cavalier for life. The franchise's turbulent history of ups and downs fosters an unwavering camaraderie. The Cavaliers may not have many titles, but the loyal fan base is still there. No one knows if the Cavs will taste success anytime soon. However, fans can puff out their chests and feel some pride in a team that has gone through hell to get where it is.

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3) The Cleveland Cavaliers boost the economy

The best way for a Cleveland resident to break the bank is by buying a new jersey. It must be said that wine and gold are flattering colors. The Cavaliers' logo has undergone a few transformations over the past forty years, but one element remains. Inside the collar, the Musketeers' credo: "One for all, all for one." The phrase is starting to become a distinctly Cleveland expression. Thus, Cleveland residents' passion for the NBA, and more specifically for the Cavs, boosts the economy. Consumption of NBA team merchandise is very strong. Especially since we are in the United States and it is in the DNA of Americans. This consumption benefits everyone. The fans who can publicly display their passion for the club. The club with substantial revenue. But also the city's economy in general.

If you're looking to see an NBA game on a budget, Cleveland is the perfect destination. Tickets for regular games start at $6 a ticket. For well-situated third-row seats, prices typically range from $100 to $500. The Cleveland Cavaliers have a well-known fan base, so it's no surprise to see a packed arena at every game. As you know, ticket sales for such a club are a significant source of revenue.

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4) Make history with King James

He is the symbol of Cleveland's NBA success. One of the biggest basketball stars. Born in the Cleveland suburb of Akron, the 2.03m player began his post-high school career with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Named best rookie upon his arrival, he never stopped taking his club to the top. He then set all the club's records, points scored, 3-pointers, rebounds... A key player in the Cavaliers' victory at the end of the 2016 NBA season, he is considered a demigod by the people of Cleveland. Now a player for the Los Angeles Lakers, he continues to thrill basketball fans. His incredible performances regularly earn him the right to be considered one of the best NBA players of all time. Lebron James is also a financial success: the star ranks annually in the top 10 highest-paid athletes in the world with almost $90 million in 2019.

5) Renovation of a legendary Arena

It's the site of their exploit: Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse. Completely renovated in 2019, the stadium seats 20,000, making it one of the most modern and largest venues to watch an NBA game today. Since the cost of living is lower in Cleveland than elsewhere in the United States, ticket prices are also among the cheapest in the country. Did you know, for example, that the venue also hosts the city's hockey club? It has also hosted a concert by Jay-Z and, more recently, Celine Dion.

This renovation is mainly due to the club's owner. Since 2005, his name has been Daniel Gilbert. A Detroit native, this billionaire owns the country's largest mortgage lending company with his brother Gary Gilbert. He also owns the Cleveland Monsters, the city's hockey club. He is also the owner of numerous institutions in Cleveland, such as Casino Jack, and is very present in Detroit through buildings and other associations. He is also regularly appointed mayor of the city, such is his influence in the Motor City. Appreciated for his patronage and the Cavs' victory in 2016, Daniel Gilbert is one of the instigators of the Cavaliers' success.

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Cleveland, what to do?

Hit by the crisis, the city is once again becoming an industrial center thanks to its strategic location at the crossroads of the Great Lakes and a major canal leading to the Mississippi River. The city's cultural and sporting offerings are significant, thanks in part to the patronage of the city's wealthy citizens. Recent investments have led to the development of downtown tourist attractions such as the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Progressive Field, the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and the Playhouse Square Center.

Also read: Investing in real estate in Cleveland

The Cleveland Museum of Art & University Circle

The Cleveland Museum of Art is an American art museum founded in 1913 and located in the University Circle neighborhood. It's worth noting that this museum has an international reputation! Delacroix, Van Gogh, Turner, Corot, Caravaggio, Velasquez, Monet, Poussin—you'll find so many great masters that it would be difficult to list them all. The Cleveland Museum houses more than 60,000 art objects! It also has a library, a restaurant, and admission is free to the public. Like any major museum, superb exhibitions are held regularly. An event about Da Vinci and his sketches will be held at the beginning of the year, while we await the major exhibition on Picasso in preparation. In early 2019, the museum announced record attendance in 2018, with approximately 770,000 visitors, an increase of more than 30 percent over 2017. The University Circle neighborhood also offers opportunities to visit the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, the Museum of Contemporary Arts, and the Cinematheque, where exhibitions are regularly held.

The Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is also a must-see in Cleveland. The Rock and Roll Museum is a true institution that preserves and archives the most significant moments of the greatest rock artists, whether they are singers, musicians, producers, or anyone else who has had a significant influence on the rock industry. Personalities such as Elvis Presley, the Beatles, and AC/DC have already performed there. In 2018, the museum welcomed no fewer than 580,000 visitors, the largest number of visitors since its opening. This museum is also known for the architectural prowess of Pei, an American architect known worldwide for his design of the glass pyramids at the Louvre Museum.

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Playhouse Square and its dozens of Theaters

Playhouse Square, the nightlife district, theaters, and therefore musicals, located in downtown Cleveland, is the largest performing arts center in the United States outside of New York City. Built in 19 months in the early 1920s, the theaters were later closed but revived through a grassroots effort. Their renovation and reopening helped usher in a new era of revitalization in downtown Cleveland. Playhouse Square welcomes over a million visitors to over 1,000 performances and events each year. This has earned the city of Cleveland the nickname "Little Broadway."

The Cleveland Zoo, nearly 150 years old

For a more family-friendly activity, the Cleveland Zoo is perfect. It covers 67 hectares and is divided into different zones: the rainforest, the African savannah, North Trek, Australian adventure, primates, felines, and the aquarium. The Metroparks Zoo has the largest collection of primates in North America. It also features Monkey Island, an island where a large population of colobus monkeys roam freely. The Cleveland Zoo and its rainforest are home to more than 3,000 animals (including more than 80 protected species). The Cleveland Zoo was founded in 1882, making it one of the oldest zoos in the United States. Each year, the site welcomes more than a million visitors. Cleveland Metroparks also administers all of the city's natural parks and its surrounding area, such as the North Chagrin Nature Reserve, a true haven of peace in the heart of nature 20 minutes from Downtown.

NBA, NFL, Baseball…The big stadiums are worth seeing

Cleveland has many stadiums that will allow you to experience the American sports scene in the best conditions. As we have seen, Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, but much more. You can also spend an evening at Cleveland Stadium to watch the Cleveland Browns play an American football game. You can visit Progressive Field, nicknamed The Jake here, based on its original name, Jacobs Field. It is the baseball stadium located in downtown Cleveland, tenanted by the Cleveland Indians, a baseball team playing in the American Major League Baseball (MLS), which previously played at Cleveland Municipal Stadium. Progressive Field has a capacity of 43,545 seats and 122 luxury suites.