$2 billion investment is shaping the future of meetings and travel in Cincinnati
Cincinnati is enhancing the visitor experience through nearly $2 billion in investment in the facilities and infrastructure that support conventions and tourism. A reimagined convention center is now welcoming groups, construction is underway on a new headquarters hotel, and improvements to the region's international airport will further enhance the visitor journey.
The investment includes $240 million in the reimagined First Financial Center and Elm Street Plaza, $540 million in the Cincinnati Downtown Marriott headquarters hotel, and CVG's $1.2 billion capital investment program. Together, these projects strengthen Cincinnati's ability to host larger conventions and create a more connected experience for attendees, from arrival at the airport to gathering downtown.
"These investments strengthen our ability to compete for larger national conventions while creating a more connected experience for attendees," said Julie Kirkpatrick, Interim President and CEO of Visit Cincy. "They also create opportunities for the people and businesses that make our destination special. When visitors gather here, the benefits extend to our restaurants, hotels, attractions, and communities on both sides of the river."
What's new: convention district updates and new hotel options
Major projects are already welcoming visitors and giving meeting planners new options:
First Financial Center: Cincinnati's reimagined convention center reopened in January 2026. The facility features 200,000 square feet of contiguous exhibit space, two ballrooms, flexible meeting space, updated technology, and a rooftop terrace, giving organizers greater flexibility when designing events.
Elm Street Plaza: The 2.5-acre public park and outdoor event venue connects directly to the center's first-floor exhibit space. Its combination of paved gathering areas, green space, and a permanent Pavilion Bar extends convention programming outdoors while providing a year-round gathering place for residents and visitors.
Cincinnati's Fidelity Hotel: The 165-room boutique hotel opened in July 2026 following the restoration of the historic Gwynne Building. The property adds another distinctive hotel option for visitors and meeting attendees in downtown Cincinnati.
Hampton Inn & Suites and Homewood Suites by Hilton Cincinnati-Downtown: SREE Hotels has completed a $5.5 million revitalization of the 249-room dual-brand property in the historic Cincinnati Enquirer Building. The project updated every guestroom, public space, and the fitness center. The improvements enhance downtown accommodations for convention attendees and leisure travelers while preserving the building's historic character.
What's next: headquarters hotel and airport improvements
Additional investments will strengthen the region's ability to welcome larger groups and support future travel:
Cincinnati Downtown Marriott Headquarters Hotel: Construction is underway on the 700-room hotel, targeted to open in late 2028. The property will feature 60,000 square feet of meeting space, a 17,000-square-foot outdoor events terrace, and a direct skybridge connection to the First Financial Center. The hotel will provide a significant room block adjacent to the center and create additional opportunities for convention programming.
The Westin Cincinnati: Portman plans to begin a comprehensive revitalization of the existing 456-room hotel in 2027. The project will update an established downtown property, further strengthening the hotel options available near the Convention District.
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport: CVG's capital investment program includes Elevate CVG, a multi-year effort to modernize terminal facilities and improve the passenger experience. Improvements to passenger facilities, processing, and baggage systems will support the airport's role as the region's gateway for meeting attendees and leisure travelers.
With the convention center open and additional developments underway, Cincinnati offers planners new reasons to consider the destination. The projects combine flexible event spaces, additional hotel options, and an improved arrival experience with access to dining, arts, attractions, and entertainment throughout the region.
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