Travel & COLUMBUS Tourism

Capital Achievements COLUMBUS GARNERS NATIONAL ACCOLADES FOR ITS EVENTS AND ATTRACTIONS

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ake no mistake, 2019 is a banner year for travel and tourism in our State’s capital. But you don’t have to take the word of the staff from Experience Columbus, the destination marketing organization for the Columbus region. The New York Times selected Columbus among its “Top 52 Places to Go in 2019,” just after Houston, but before Plodiv, Bulgaria. Last year, Food & Wine recognized the city as one of the best culinary destinations in the U.S., lamenting the fact that a “Midwestern City” was pulling culinary talent away from the East and West coasts. Architectural Digest called the new National Veterans Memorial and Museum “one of the most important buildings to

BY TERRY TROY

be completed this year” when it Fitch, Victoria’s Secret and DSW opened in October 2018. (Designer Brands, Inc.) among Travel and tourism in the others, Columbus has become a Greater Columbus area provides destination for fashion designers $7 billion in direct spending, which and smaller boutique fashion supports 78,000 jobs, or one in 12 retailers as well—putting its jobs in all of Franklin County. Acshopping on a par with much cording to Experience Columbus, Brian Ross larger cities on the East and West the city and surrounding area coasts. Its central location makes hosts 41 million visitors annually. it a natural focal point for business meetings To be certain, Columbus doesn’t need and expositions, seminars, government and too much help when it comes to business as collegiate and high school sports. well as travel and tourism. With its revitalBut when you think about Columbus, ized and booming downtown, it’s already The Ohio State University Buckeyes come one of our nation’s fastest growing cities. immediately to mind—whether it is football As the headquarters for big box fashions or basketball season. Now you can add the retailers for retailers like Abercrombie & National Hockey League’s Columbus Blue

Adventure Awaits!

Explore the Midwest’s newest attractions in Fort Wayne, Indiana this summer! Make a splash at Riverfront Fort Wayne, have a wild time in the new central zoo at the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo, and make memories they’ll treasure forever!

Find getaway ideas, overnight packages, & deals: VisitFortWayne.com • 1-800-767-7752 20

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