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Commissioners approve $2.78M tourism contract with Experience Columbus, citing economic return
Summary
Franklin County approved a $2,775,000 contract with Experience Columbus to market the county and attract conventions and sporting events; presenters said visitor spending and bed‑tax increases justify the investment.
The Franklin County Board of Commissioners on May 6 authorized a $2,775,000 partner contract with the Greater Columbus Convention and Visitors Bureau (doing business as Experience Columbus) to support regional convention sales, marketing and guest services.
Emmanuel Torres, assistant director of Economic Development and Planning, introduced the agreement and said it covers an integrated convention sales and marketing plan. Brian Ross, president and CEO of Experience Columbus, presented 2024 results and goals: staff cited more than 53 million visitor trips to Greater Columbus, $8.2 billion in visitor spending in 2024 and more than 85,000 jobs supported by tourism, and noted bed‑tax collections for 2024 totaled more than $59 million (an 8% increase over 2023). Ross highlighted the economic return: "For every $1 invested in Experience Columbus and the Greater Columbus Sports Commission, nearly $14 goes back into the community," he said.
Linda Logan of the Greater Columbus Sports Commission outlined major sporting and convention events that generated visitor spending and hotel room nights. Commissioners framed the vote as an economic investment to support county services funded in part by sales and bed taxes. Administrator Kenneth Wilson and multiple commissioners praised the partnership; the board voted to adopt Resolution 33925.
Staff said Experience Columbus will deliver national and regional marketing campaigns, convention sales support and guest‑service programming. The agreement will be monitored through standard contract performance reporting.
