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 2025, tourism brought an economic impact of $1.0 billion to Columbus, with over 3.1 million visitors spending an estimated $650.3M locally; spending that employed an estimated 6,269 people, according to an economic impact study conducted by Tourism Economics.
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
Monthly Data Reports
VisitColumbusGA delivers regular reports that combine insights from key data sources such as lodging performance, website traffic, social media metrics, sales activity, visitor origin, and visitor spending. Download the latest monthly data report here: December 2025
Staff
Ashley Woitena
President and CEO
Ashley is an experienced President and CEO 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.
Danielle Ackerman
Director of Marketing and Communications
Danielle is a destination marketing leader with 17 years of experience spanning DMOs, agencies, and MarTech. She is a passionate storyteller who blends data-driven strategy with creativity and advocates for DMOs as a force for good in their communities.
Tonja Ray-Smith
Director of Sales
A certified Travel Marketing Professional (TMP) and Festival & Events Professional (FEP), Ray-Smith brings specialized expertise in event management, strategic planning, and destination marketing. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated exceptional skills in building community partnerships, executing successful marketing campaigns, and driving tourism growth. For assistance with Corporate, Government, Education, Group Leisure, or Civic gatherings, call Tonja at 706.256.4348.
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 and Service Manager
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. For assistance with Family/Class Reunions, Sports, Social, Weddings, and Religious gatherings, call Gracie at 706.256.4344.
Kiana Burroughs
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
Kiana brings eight years of marketing communications experience from the nonprofit, state government, and private healthcare sectors. After graduating from Vanderbilt University, she taught English in China for a year before returning to the States. This role combines her passion for travel and her professional experience with her love for the town she calls home.
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.