Experiential Tourism program expands
Express your inner artist at Archiver’s at
Easton Town Center.
Experience Columbus continues to take the lead in the group tour market, as one of only three U.S. cities that have developed an Experiential Tourism program.
The Experiential Tourism program debuted in spring 2007 to rave reviews from group operators. It recently expanded to include 21 Central Ohio attractions, with seven new partners launching new experiential activities in July.
Along with being ideal for group tour planners looking to attract Baby Boomers and younger audiences, the experiential activities also are a good fit for convention and meeting attendees, family reunions, bank clubs, student outings, girls and guys getaways, book clubs and other small groups.
Experience Columbus engaged the help of Joe Veneto, the tourism expert who has advised Experience Columbus since September 2006, to work with the new partners to help develop their programs.
Below is just some of what’s new. Complete details are available online.
- Go inside Nordstrom at Easton Town Center before it opens for the day. Enjoy a full hot breakfast and get expert advice on must-have fashions and accessories. Then, express your inner artist at Archiver’s by creating personalized cards and become a top chef during cooking school at Sur La Table.
- Experience what life’s like in the minors for the Columbus Clippers. Play on the field and explore the players clubhouse.
- Find out how art can be delicious and soothing in the Short North Arts District. Sample hand-churned ice cream at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, taste foods created by one of the country’s most award-winning chefs at Details Minibar & Lounge and relax with a mini-massage at Mukha Custom Cosmetics & Medi-spa.
- Head backstage after a performance by BalletMet. Meet the dancers and see the intricate sets and costumes up close.
- Explore a 13,000-year-old bog, create a blown glass ornament, fuse glass for a sun catcher and more in Licking County.
- Pour your own custom-scented candle at The Candle Lab in Olde Worthington, then stroll next door to pick your favorite bottle at House Wine.
- Heat things up in the kitchen during a cooking school with CaJohn’s Flavor & Fire at the North Market.
“Customers are always looking for something new, along with hands-on and VIP activities like these,” said Kari Kauffman, director of tourism. “Tour operators must respond to that demand when planning their tours, so it is essential that we keep enhancing our experiential product.”
The Columbus Museum of Art will join the list of partners after its expansion is complete in 2010.
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