New Columbia SC Visitors Center location offers convenience, technology, tours
September 26, 2018
Experience Columbia SC unveiled the new Columbia SC Visitors Center Wednesday during a ribbon cutting ceremony. Now located at the corner of Lincoln and Gervais Streets in the Vista, the center will continue to serve as the information hub for visitors to the Columbia region. Previously located in the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, the new location offers greater visibility to pedestrians, upgraded technology and the addition of walking tours offered by Historic Columbia.
“With increased foot traffic along Gervais Street, it was a natural fit to place the Visitors Center at this bustling corner,” said Bill Ellen, president and CEO of Experience Columbia SC. “The heavy concentration of hotels in this area gives us the opportunity to interact with visitors walking by and let them know about the numerous attractions, restaurants, tours and things to do throughout the entire Columbia region.”
The center features new interactive technology. A six-foot social wall displays user-generated photos featuring the hashtag #RealColumbiaSC. While the Visitors Center staff is available to answer questions, visitors also have access to information about Columbia at their fingertips with the addition of a digital touchscreen kiosk.
“The kiosk also displays maps of the city, hot deals and allows for visitors to email or text themselves itineraries,” said Jason Outman, executive director of Experience Columbia SC. “We also have a variety of new local products for sale and literature on things to see and do throughout the region.”
Experience Columbia SC has also partnered with Historic Columbia to provide one-hour guided walking tours of the Vista. The tours start at the Columbia SC Visitors Center and are offered on Fridays and Saturdays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., and on Sundays at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
“We are excited to partner with Experience Columbia and offer walking tours of the Vista,” said Robin Waites, Historic Columbia’s executive director. “The Congaree Vista, a commercial district listed in the National Register of Historic Places, features a great collection of historic buildings, many of which have benefited from adaptive use over the years. We’re excited to offer a glimpse into the district’s past, present and future.”
Ellen said the new location and technology enhancements will provide more access for visitors to learn about Columbia and engage with the community.
Current operating hours are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday – Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
About Experience Columbia SC
Experience Columbia SC is the region’s destination marketing organization. We’re responsible for all marketing efforts intended to help more visitors discover all that makes Columbia the real Southern hot spot. Think of us as the biggest cheerleader for the heart of South Carolina. For more information, please visit www.experiencecolumbiasc.com.
