As the executive director of Visit Perrysburg, Josh Johnson has the honor of showcasing the uniquely charming and vibrant community of Perrysburg, Ohio. Johnson joined Visit Perrysburg in June 2024, promoting tourism, enhancing visitor experiences, and overseeing major events and annual festivities. Johnson recently shared more with Group Tour about promoting the spirit of Perrysburg and offering enriching experiences for all who visit.
Q. How would you describe Perrysburg to someone who has never visited before?
A. Nestled along the Maumee River, Perrysburg is a charming and vibrant destination that blends rich history, modern amenities, and a welcoming community into one unique town. Residents and visitors can explore our shops and locally owned restaurants and experience the lively entertainment at Levis Commons. Beyond its attractions, Perrysburg is known for family-friendly events, from our bustling weekly Farmers Market to the unforgettable Home for the Holiday Parade and Drone Show. Whether you’re a history buff, foodie, or adventure-seeker, Perrysburg offers a little something for everyone.
Q. What makes Perrysburg a great place for group tours?
A. Perrysburg is a perfect mix of history, culture, shopping, and dining. Our town is located right off Interstate 75 and the Ohio Turnpike, providing easy access for motorcoach tours. There are also plenty of accommodations and amenities to suit groups of all sizes.
One of our standout attractions is Fort Meigs, the largest reconstructed fort in North America. Guests can step back in time and experience the War of 1812 through engaging tours and reenactments. The 577 Foundation is another fascinating attraction that offers hands-on learning, gardens, pottery classes, and historic architecture.
Levis Commons is the place for people who enjoy shopping and entertainment, with its boutiques, restaurants, and live performances. Historic Downtown Perrysburg is perfect for strolling, shopping, and enjoying local bars and eateries. Our vibrant annual events are another opportunity for memorable outings.
Q. How does Visit Perrysburg help tour operators plan their group tours?
A. Visit Perrysburg makes planning group tours seamless and stress-free by providing personalized assistance, curated itineraries, and local connections. We work closely with motorcoach staff to create customized experiences that suit their criteria and highlight the best of Perrysburg.
Here’s what we do: Whether visitors are interested in history, shopping, dining, or cultural experiences, we craft tailored itineraries that fit their interests and schedules. Our team connects operators with staff at key attractions to assist them with scheduling, rates, and guided tours. Many groups enjoy visiting during our signature events, such as the Farmers Market, Home for the Holidays Festival, and Music at the Market. We help organizers incorporate seasonal events and festivals so they can cultivate an engaging experience any time of year.
Visit Perrysburg has extensive connections with local hotels and restaurants to help accommodate groups, arrange meal reservations, and recommend dining options. Coordinators can contact us for information on parking, drop-off locations, and step-on guide services. Our brochures, maps, and website serve as resources to help tour operators promote trips to Perrysburg.
Q. Are there areas, themes, or activities you would like to promote to group tours? How and where can group tours discover and connect with those areas, themes, or activities?
A. Perrysburg offers a variety of themes and activities that are perfect for group tours, and we are eager to promote experiences that highlight our history, arts, shopping, dining, and seasonal events. Visit Perrysburg’s website and social media accounts provide updated event calendars and suggested itineraries. Coordinators can also contact us directly about customized itineraries, attraction partnerships, and hotel/dining arrangements. We attend industry events, travel expos, and motorcoach conferences to connect with tour coordinators. Our step-on local guides are also available to enhance the experience with storytelling and insider knowledge.
Q. What’s your long-term outlook for group tours at your destination/attraction?
A. We’re optimistic and excited about continuing to expand our offerings and strengthen partnerships with tour operators. We aim to further develop our historical and cultural experiences, particularly through Fort Meigs with expanded programming, reenactments, and educational tours. Events like Hearts for the Arts, Music at the Market, and the holiday parade will continue to evolve with more engaging experiences for groups.
Visit Perrysburg plans to expand group-friendly city, food, and brewery tours to create more interactive and immersive opportunities for visitors. We hope to expand our presence at travel trade shows, build new relationships, and create promotional materials that make it easier for coordinators to choose Perrysburg. That includes improving parking options, motorcoach accommodations, and information services.
Perrysburg is uniquely positioned as a charming, accessible, and experience-rich destination that appeals to a variety of travelers. With our historical significance, vibrant shopping districts, and engaging events, we anticipate continued growth in group tourism over the next several years.
Q. Is there anything new or upcoming in Perrysburg that group tour planners should know about?
A. A state-of-the-art golf entertainment venue is set to open in Perrysburg in 2026. The attraction will be a fantastic option for those looking for interactive fun, team-building activities, and entertainment. The inaugural Perrysburg Country Concert is scheduled for summer 2025. The event will bring live music and entertainment to our historic downtown district. The Hearts for the Arts Festival showcases regional artists and interactive exhibits toward the end of the summer.
Q. Is there anything else our audience of tour operators should know about Perrysburg?
A. Perrysburg is a place for history lovers, artists, outdoor adventurers, and shoppers. There’s excitement around every corner, making for a memorable group experience. We also have incredible residents who welcome visitors.
Perrysburg isn’t a place to visit, but a destination to experience. The tight-knit community, diverse attractions, and ever-growing lineup of events and entertainment make it one of northwest Ohio’s hidden gems. We invite tour operators to connect with Visit Perrysburg for itinerary ideas, group rates, and exclusive opportunities to create an unforgettable travel experience.
Learn More
Visit Perrysburg
visitperrysburg.com
Lead image:
Photo courtesy of Visit Perrysburg
