During a morning keynote and panel discussion at the brand-new Mitchell Hall Culinary Campus at Columbus State Community College, elected leaders across the state of Ohio joined other civic and business leaders to discuss the broad impact of travel on their state.

Said Rep. Balderson: “Home to the world-renowned Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, The Ohio State University, The Wilds, Hocking Hills State Park, and many other attractions, Central Ohio is the perfect place to celebrate the travel industry. The greater Columbus region exemplifies a richly diverse history and culture, and as a member of the Congressional Travel and Tourism Caucus, I’m thrilled to shed light on how tourism creates jobs and boosts the economy right here in Ohio.

Other events on the Columbus stop included a visit to the new National Veterans Memorial and Museum, which had just opened prior to our visit. The museum is the first in history to honor all the courageous men and women who answered the call of our country.

A tour of Ohio Stadium with Gene Smith, director of athletics at The Ohio State University provided a forum to discuss intersection of sports and tourism and the vital role the university and athletic program plays in attracting both talent and tourism. A roundtable meeting with students and faculty in Ohio State’s Hospitality Management program offered an opportunity to speak to careers in hospitality and the benefits of working in the industry. The day concluded with a tour of John Glenn Columbus International Airport which following our visit was awarded $4 billion in funding by the Department of Transportation FAA’s Improvement program to provide rehabilitation to its taxiway.