Columbus tourism group gets boost after landing sporting events, spot on convention shortlist

A central Ohio tourism group will receive more money this year after helping Columbus land major sporting events and a spot on Democrats' shortlist for their 2016 convention.

The Columbus Dispatch reports (http://bit.ly/1C42bZk ) Experience Columbus will receive nearly $8.6 million to promote the city and attract events.

Columbus City Council on Monday approved using more revenue from Columbus' hotel and motel tax to fund the efforts. It's the largest share of the so-called bed tax that the group's ever received.

Officials say Experience Columbus played a large role in the city's bids to host a major political convention in 2016. Columbus was among the top three choices for Democrats, who ultimately chose Philadelphia.

The group also helped land the 2013 President's Cup golf tournament and this year's NHL All-Star game.

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Information from: The Columbus Dispatch, http://www.dispatch.com