Why Columbia needs more full-service hotels to host major events [Video]

COLUMBIA, S.C. — City leaders are exploring strategies for attracting more business to Columbia, with a surprising focus: the need for additional full-service hotels. 

While the Capital City has a thriving hotel industry, officials say its reliance on limited-service accommodations is holding back opportunities to host major conventions and sporting events.

“We have a vibrant hotel industry. We have a lot of great hotels,” said Bill Ellen, CEO of Experience Columbia. “The majority of our hotels are limited service. Unfortunately, sometimes the services that are offered by limited-service hotels don’t meet requirements for larger conventions or certain sporting events.”

Ellen pointed to Columbia’s recent exclusion from hosting the NCAA March Madness basketball tournament as an example of the limitations. The NCAA requires eight full-service hotels to meet its standards for providing equitable experiences for student-athletes, …