Coming home from Paris, where I spoke at A World for Travel, I’ve been thinking about what Ohio’s next chapter in tourism will require of its hotels. New investment creates opportunity, but capturing that business takes preparation. In Columbus, the planned Merchant Hotel and airport terminal expansion make this a timely conversation. As the destination’s offering evolves, hoteliers should ask: Who are we trying to attract, what will they expect, and how are we preparing together? Start with a conversation between your sales and operations teams and your local destination organization. Which visitor segments and meetings are they pursuing? What requirements are appearing in buyer conversations? Where could your property improve its service, local experiences, or ability to document sustainability efforts?

 

 

Then identify one gap to address in your 2027 plan, with a budget, an owner, and a measure of progress. That might mean training staff, developing a local partnership, or collecting the information planners need to evaluate your property. My recently published conversation with the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau and The Palms Hotel & Spa offers another destination’s perspective on responsible meetings. Watch the conversation, then ask your team: What should we be planning together here? Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wh-OwLb1rH4&t=21s