About VisitColumbusGA
VisitColumbusGA plays a key role in serving as a one-stop shop for people who visit Georgia’s second-largest city, an assistant for meeting planners who want to host business events here, and a beneficial part of the local community.
What We’re About
Economic Development Through Tourism
- To promote trade shows, conventions, tourism, and other group business.
- To engage in visitor promotions that generate overnight stays for Columbus, thereby enhancing and developing the economic fabric of the community.
- To become a complete and affordable destination.
Performance
- In FY 2023, tourism and conventions brought an economic impact of $381 million to Columbus, along with over 1.9 million visitors, and employed 4,696 people, according to Columbus State University’s Butler Center for Business and Economic Research.
Hotel partners rank business groups a high priority for future growth, followed by leisure travelers.
Source: Gray Research Solution (GRS) Destination Assessment & Tourism Research Findings
"The CVB has been great with the hotel business. They always communicate and provide good information."
Source: GRS Confidential Lodging Survey
What We Do
VisitColumbusGA acts as a destination marketing organization, or an ambassador for the city. Our resources are focused on bringing visitors and groups here through different activities:
- Marketing Campaigns
- Venue & Hotel Options
- Custom Planning Services
- Attending Group and Meeting Planner Trade Shows & Conferences
- Conducting Site Visits for Travel Writers & Military Reunion, Meeting, and Convention Planners
- Community Engagement
- Community & Visitor Education
Meet the Team
Peter Bowden
President & CEO
Peter Bowden is a Tourism Marketing Professional (TMP) with a Leadership Excellence Certification (LEC) and Destinations International CDME (Certified Destination Management Executive) Credential. He has been with VisitColumbusGA since July 1995. Originally hired as VisitColumbusGA’s Olympic Coordinator, he was re-assigned as Deputy Director shortly afterward and oversaw numerous marketing and sales activities until he was appointed President/CEO in May 2003. In this role, he oversees the destination marketing efforts, including promoting conventions, trade shows, and tourism.
Before coming to VisitColumbusGA, he worked in broadcasting and as a freelance consultant. His background includes public relations, management, marketing, advertising, and communication.
Shelby Guest
Executive Vice President
Shelby is a Columbus native who graduated with honors from Columbus State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communications. After beginning her career in broadcasting, she joined the VisitColumbusGA staff in February 1996 and now serves as Executive Vice President. Her many duties include producing and distributing news releases, day-to-day workings with media, and attending tourism-related educational functions. She also serves on various boards and committees.
Ashley Woitena
Senior Vice President, Sales
Ashley is an experienced Senior Vice President, with a history of working in the hospitality industry. She is skilled in nonprofit organizations, negotiation, budgeting, and planning. She is a strong sales professional, with an MBA (Master of Business Administration), Leadership Excellence Certification (LEC), TMP (Tourism Marketing Professional) Designation, and Destinations International CDME Credential.
Lacy Harden
Vice President, Convention Sales
Lacy is an experienced leader and sales professional in tourism, with a history of working in the hospitality industry. She is skilled in budgeting, operations management, hotel management, accounting, and customer satisfaction.
Joel Slocumb
Columbus Film Commissioner
In his role, Joel works in the Columbus Film Office, which is part of VisitColumbusGA and is your one-stop shop for film production resources in the area. VisitColumbusGA and its Film Commission serve as the direct liaison with the Georgia Film, Music & Digital Entertainment Office, offering film and television production companies easier, faster, and better access to local resources and information.
Kim Gonzalez
Accountant/HR-Office Manager
Kim has been with VisitColumbusGA since 2022 and is a vital part of the team, taking care of Finance, Human Resources—everything to keep office and staff operation running smoothly and efficiently. She has over 30 years of accounting experience and previously worked for a local CPA firm, working with many local businesses to maintain their accounting, tax, and payroll needs.
Gracie Childers
Sales Service Coordinator
Gracie is a Macon, Georgia native who has fallen in love with Columbus. She graduated from GCSU with a degree in Marketing and Communications and from the University of Seoul–South Korea with a certificate in International Relations. She has previous experience working in travel and tourism, including at Walt Disney World Resort. She is skilled in public relations, strategic marketing, campaign creation, and more.
Kudos from Planners
“Ashley and the team are amazing and always make us feel welcome!”
“CVB Staff should receive roses.”
Source: Meeting Planner Survey/Interviews
Visitor Verbatims: 1st Time Visitor Perception Changes
“More attractions than I expected.”
“All the work they’ve done on the downtown area.”
Source: Destination Perception Survey
We’re Here for You
Do you have any questions for the VisitColumbusGA team? Reach out to us.
If you’re interested in bringing your meeting, convention, event, or reunion to Columbus, contact one of our team members above or submit your RFP.