Columbus, Ohio - Seeing is believing at the new ExperienceColumbus.com

January 5, 2007 - Beginning on Jan. 4, The new ExperienceColumbus.com brings visitors a tempting taste of what its like to experience Columbus, Ohio for business travel, conventions, family vacations, romantic getaways, road trips, and more. The new www.ExperienceColumbus.com will shine a light on the places and events that make Columbus, Ohio a travel destination for millions of people each year. “Time and time again, travel writers, convention groups and casual visitors tell us they never knew Columbus offered so many different things to see and do,” said Paul D. Astleford, president and CEO of Experience Columbus.

The new www.ExperienceColumbus.com is a window of discovery for all visitors, whether the visit is for work or play. Users will find a more visually dynamic and easier to navigate site, including “hot spot” maps to emphasize points of interest; a running ticker of current and upcoming events; and a new feature to show the most popular searches on the site, to help steer visitors to where all the action is.

No matter which page visitors are on, events and attractions continuously scroll across the top of the screen to give examples of what’s going on in Columbus. Meanwhile, the site’s new search feature is designed to make searches easier for visitors as they plan their stay. For instance, just one click on the home page’s calendar can guide a visitor to events going on today, later this month or a future date.

The site is organized into five primary categories:

Play Here - Columbus Ohio events and attractions information
Stay Here - Columbus Ohio hotels and other lodging
Dine Here - Columbus Ohio restaurants
Shop Here - Columbus Ohio shopping
Get Here - Columbus Ohio maps and directions

Columbus’ extensive entertainment options are also sorted into easy-to-find categories to serve special interests such as sports, multicultural events and alternative lifestyles.

Visitors who still want to know more about Columbus tourism can read what others are saying in the “City Buzz” section with links to recent articles by national travel writers.

Experience Columbus contracted with Columbus-based advertising agency Ten United to design the site. The back end of the site was built by Experience Columbus staff.