Successful planners preparing now for travel restart

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Even in the midst of the Covid-19 crisis, the most successful group tour planners are well prepared for the reopening of travel in the U.S. With experts predicting significant pent-up traveler demand once restrictions are lifted, destinations that offer incredible experiences and high value should be on every group tour professional’s radar. Undoubtedly, Columbus fills that bill.

To that end, Experience Columbus recently launched its 2020 Tour Planner Guide, which has been carefully curated by its highly skilled group tour professionals. The guide places everything needed to construct unforgettable tour itineraries at planners’ fingertips. Offered free to group tour organizers, the 2020 Tour Planner Guide features special behind-the-scenes group experiences, extraordinary events and memorable guided tours. Transportation, motorcoach parking, maps and other logistical tools are also included. Tour organizers can request their new Columbus Tour Planner Guide – or view the digital version – at ExperienceColumbus.com/tour-planners.

To facilitate group professionals’ success, specially designed itineraries highlighting key destinations, culinary experiences, attractions, activities and lodging options are outlined in the guide’s middle section. These serve as inspiration or a suggested roadmap around Columbus to include during a visit. However, Columbus’ Group Tour team is also available now to work with planners to create custom tour itineraries for their groups’ specific needs, budgets, size and interest areas. The new guide has a perforated sheet just inside its front cover where users can make notes on plans and favorite ideas for Columbus tours.

Highlighted by the Travel Channel as one of its “Top 10 Domestic Places to Travel to in 2020,” Columbus expects a dramatic increase in the number of visitors as soon as travel resumes. As one of America’s fastest-growing cities, there is no better time for groups to visit Ohio’s capital, which offers unmatched value for their dollar. Columbus’ hands-on and experiential group offerings garner rave reviews from planners and travelers alike. In addition, new attractions, fresh installations and exhibitions at Columbus’ many arts and culture institutions, along with nearly a dozen new hotel openings, add to the city’s burgeoning excitement.

Until shelter-in-place orders are lifted, Experience Columbus has developed a frequently updated calendar of the city’s endless "virtual” experiences via ExperienceColumbus.com/events. Several favorite Columbus group tour destinations have developed ways to stay connected with online resources and experiences. Just a few of those include:

In addition, Columbus writer and arts supporter Scott Wood offers virtual tours on his Scott’s Social Distance Tours Facebook page, including favorite Columbus group tour stops such as Columbus Museum of Art and Thurber House.  

Columbus is a city unlike any other. Vibrant and alive, Ohio’s capital is known for its open attitude, smart style and entrepreneurial spirit. Columbus' blend of neighborhoods; dynamic nightlife; noteworthy music scene; arts and culinary experiences; events; attractions; and accommodations are all made unforgettable by the diversity of its outgoing locals who eagerly await warmly welcoming visitors. Free travel guides, maps, online booking and detailed information are available at www.ExperienceColumbus.com. 

Visitor information is also available on Facebook: facebook.com/ExperienceColumbus, Twitter: @ExpCols and Pinterest.