Experience Columbus continued to expand on the experiential tourism initiative it launched in Spring 2007 to give Central Ohio a competitive edge in destination marketing.

Experience Columbus began working with eight new partners in 2008 to develop experiential tourism programs with the aid of Joe Veneto, the tourism expert who has advised Experience Columbus since September 2006.

Debuting their experiential tourism programs in 2009 are BalletMet, the Columbus Clippers, Easton Town Center, the North Market, the Short North Arts District and the convention and visitors bureaus for Worthington and Licking County. The Columbus Museum of Art will launch its program after its expansion is complete in 2010.

In total, Columbus will have 21 “hands-on” attractions to enjoy in Central Ohio. The continued enhancement of experiential product is paramount in attracting groups to Columbus. Consumers are looking for hands-on and special access activities, and tour operators must respond to that demand when planning their tours.