Ep.#111: AO Tourism

We explore how AO Tourism attracts visitors while improving daily life for locals, from sports tournaments and conferences to art, food, and outdoor events. Cat shares her path from intern to Director of Communications and Marketing, clears up misconceptions, and tells a moving story of turning hardship into a community run.• AO Tourism’s mission and lodging tax funding• Key drivers: University, Grand National, Chewacla, downtown Opelika• Why tourism benefits residents as well as visitors• How the team differs from a chamber model• New Auburn office, Opelika visitor experience, local art gallery• Cat’s career path and leadership approach• How to bring conferences and tournaments to Auburn–Opelika• Growing staff and capacity to serve the region• Where to connect: aotourism.com and social channelswww.aotourism.com