Columbia Airport Plans New Hotel to Enhance Passenger Experience and Local Community

Columbia Airport Set to Soar with New Hotel Plans

Hey there, Columbia! Exciting news is on the horizon for our local airport as plans are brewing for a brand-new hotel right on the Columbia Metropolitan Airport’s campus. That’s right, folks! Imagine having a comfortable place to stay just a stone’s throw away from the terminal, making those early-morning flights or late-night arrivals a breeze.

A Strategic Move for Growth

The airport is on a mission to enhance passenger experience and curtail the tendency of travelers to choose the larger Charlotte airport over our very own. Kim Crafton, the Vice President of Marketing and Air Service Development at Columbia Metropolitan Airport, shared that this initiative is part of a larger vision focused on growth and expansion. “While all of this growth and development won’t happen tomorrow, we are planning now for the future, because it’s coming and it’s inevitable,” she said. Now that’s the kind of forward-thinking we love to see!

In 2019, this airport hit an impressive milestone by serving 1.3 million passengers, the highest number in its history. And guess what? This year, projections indicate an increase to a whopping 1.4 million travelers. With that kind of growth, who wouldn’t want to jump on board?

The Hotel Details

So, what does this hotel entail? Picture a four-story building with around 150 rooms and some fantastic amenities. Not only will it cater to travelers looking for that extra convenience, but it’s also set to feature a rooftop bar and restaurant! This spot will offer stunning views of the airfield, making it a great hangout for locals, even if they’re not flying anywhere.

Mike Gula, the airport president, emphasized how this hotel could be a game changer. “Travelers can arrive the night before, enjoy a comfortable stay, and conveniently walk directly from the hotel into the terminal in the morning,” he said. Sounds perfect, doesn’t it?

Following the Trend

It turns out our Columbia airport isn’t the only one eyeing this trend. According to a recent article, airport-connected hotels are becoming increasingly popular across North America. They create an enhanced passenger experience that can set an airport apart from its competitors. These hotels bring in more foot traffic, and as noted, they create a ‘halo effect’ for airports, making them more attractive hubs for airlines worldwide.

Other Exciting Developments

But wait, there’s more! The Columbia Metropolitan Airport isn’t stopping at a hotel. They are also gearing up to expand their security checkpoints from two to four lanes. This expansion is designed to provide a smoother experience for passengers as they increase the number of travelers coming through. Talk about efficiency!

The airport is currently implementing a revamped master plan focusing on improvements over the next 10 to 20 years, ensuring that it meets the growing demands. Feedback from around 2,000 customers has been taken into account, leading to initiatives like adding more charging stations and much-needed conference spaces.

Community Impact

And let’s not forget the community! Cayce and Springdale, two towns that the airport impacts, are working together on a beautification project along Airport Boulevard. They plan to install trees and greenery, making the area more inviting. As Cayce Mayor Elise Partin stated, these aesthetic improvements send a message to businesses that the area is worth the investment.

Crafton believes that the hotel can positively contribute to these community efforts, especially if the rooftop bar transforms into a popular destination for both travelers and locals. “I could definitely see it being a very positive thing for the progression and push toward improving that corridor,” she said.

Looking Ahead

All in all, Columbia is on the precipice of some pretty exciting changes! With the new hotel and a variety of upgrades in the works, it seems like the airport is ready to take flight. As we look toward the future, we can’t help but feel optimistic about the potential for growth and enhancement in our beloved community and its airport. So keep your eyes peeled, Columbia; big things are on the way!