COLUMBUS, Ind. – The Columbus Area Visitors Center embarked on a visionary process to develop a Destination Master Plan for Bartholomew County. The organization hosted ten input sessions facilitated by David Holder of Clarity of Place, a Longwoods company.
Visitors Center executive director Misty Weisensteiner said she was pleased with the participation in the community engagement sessions. “It was wonderful to feel the support of our partners and to know they value the benefits of tourism and its impact on our county and want to help shape the direction of the masterplan.”
Holder is a leading expert in the tourism industry, having assisted cities including Fort Collins, Colorado, High Point, North Carolina, and Providence, Rhode Island in setting the direction for
their marketing programs and destination development strategies.
Over three days, input was gathered from stakeholders including city and county officials, arts and culture organizations, representatives of the Hope and Edinburgh areas, hoteliers, and business owners to ensure alignment in programs and direction with community needs.
The plan will address key product development advances needed to ensure the area continues to be competitive in drawing visitors to the region while also stimulating quality of life and attracting new residents. The master plan will enhance the utilization and performance of conference venues, sports venues, quality-of-life assets, and special events, and will address drive markets, and seasonality. Work on the plan will continue throughout this year.
Weisensteiner said she wants people to know the organization is more than a visitor center. “We bring awareness of Bartholomew County to people who have never heard of us before and don’t know all we have to offer. We find ways to reach visitors here for sports tourism, business travel, and other reasons, to engage them with businesses and organizations in the community. The Destination Master Plan is a way for all of us to align our goals and support the work of our partners”.
