COLUMBIA, S.C. (Wednesday, October 12) - The Midlands Authority is set to host a ‘FAM'iliarization tour of the Columbia region for meeting and convention planners in an effort to attract events to the Columbia region. The trip, October 12 and 13, will take visitors to a number of attractions, restaurants and shopping districts, allowing them to fully experience the area.


"It is important and very necessary to bring in guests from outside the Columbia region," commented Director of Sales for the Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports & Tourism, Jason Outman. "From visits like these, the booking potential increases. When this happens, it directly affects both the number of tourists that visit the Columbia region in the future, as well as it aids in our regions overall economic development."

While here, the visitors, some traveling from across the country, will have the opportunity to visit the South Carolina State House, Columbia Museum of Art, Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, South Carolina State Farmer's Market and enjoy a cruise on the Spirit of Lake Murray.

"These tours are yet another way we as the Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports & Tourism are working to increase tourism across the Columbia region," stated President and CEO, Ric Luber. "We as an organization are focused on not only promoting from within, but getting visitors here to see why we are so proud of Columbia, SC."

About the Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports & Tourism
The Midlands Authority for Conventions, Sports & Tourism is a private, not-for-profit corporation funded primarily by revenue generated by visitors through accommodations taxes and is the parent organization of the Columbia Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, and the Columbia Regional Sports Council. The mission of the Midlands Authority is to strengthen the area's economy by marketing and selling Columbia, its accommodations, restaurants, facilities and attractions as a destination for meetings, conventions, tradeshows, special events and leisure travel. For more information, please visit columbiacvb.com.

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