As Ohio is slowly reopening from coronavirus closures, "Experience Columbus" President and CEO Brian Ross says the city is not yet ready to welcome back tourists.
He says Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther is taking a thoughtful and responsible approach to reopening the city. While some restaurants are open, others remain closed because they cannot adhere to social distancing requirements.
The science center and museum are expected to reopen next week. All large events have been canceled through July.
Ross says Experience Columbus has created a marketing campaign called "Live Forward," which asks organizations and businesses to pledge to reopen safely. They pledge to follow CDC state and local health protocols, wear personal protective equipment such as face coverings, and continue practicing social distancing.
Ross says, while he does hope for a tourism influx eventually to generate revenue lost from coronavirus shutdowns, now is not the time.
He says they want residents to feel safe before inviting tourists to visit.
Ross says its still too soon to say when Columbus will be ready to welcome back tourism.