Experience Columbus - Experiential Tourism

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No more standing on the sidelines. Visitors want to hear, see, feel, smell and taste the experience. In 2007, Experience Columbus and 14 member-partner attractions rolled out new tour offerings for groups to enjoy. Seven more attractions will add programs in early 2009. Experience Columbus is one of only two destination marketing organizations nationally to initiate an Experiential Tourism strategy.

The group tour market is the first segment to be targeted by Experience Columbus. Clients for tours have become more sophisticated, well traveled and discerning. This initiative provides groups with the opportunity to experience Columbus in new and exciting ways. Experience Columbus has worked with local partners to create product for our clients. Some of the experiences include:

Cooking tempting meals with Chef Tami Cecil at Woodhaven Farm.
Using fresh herbs to create one-of-a-kind culinary treats in Gahanna.
Bottling and corking wine, then designing your own label at Camelot Cellars.
Creating your own butterfly garden at Franklin Park Conservatory.
Eat breakfast with the animals at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
Play a day in the minors, complete with your own jersey and contract with the Columbus Clippers.
Going behind the curtain at Broadway Across America-Columbus shows for an exclusive meet-and-greet with the cast and crew.
Stepping on stage to meet jazz greats at a Columbus Jazz Orchestra concert.
Finding out the family's "secret" from "Sophia Kelton" at the Kelton House.

These hands-on tourism programs also provide new ways for local residents to explore Greater Columbus, as they are accessible to anyone who puts together an "ad hoc" group. Bridal showers, card clubs or a group of friends, neighbors or co-workers can get together and do something entertaining and different.

Experience Columbus and its attraction partners worked with Joe Veneto, principal of Opportunities Unlimited, a management consulting and training company that specializes in hospitality and tourism. Click here for a complete list of experiential tours.