The Port Columbus International Airport reports receiving a $90 million dollar grant from the Federal Aviation Administration for their new south runway project. This allocated amount will also be used for much needed improvements to the existing runway. The funds will aid in keeping the project moving towards its opening in the spring of 2013. The existing south runway will be converted to a taxiway following the renovation of some parts of the 80 year old pavement. The efforts will be a great head start for the planning of a new additional terminal at Port Columbus. What could this mean for the hospitality industry in Columbus? With construction beginning on the $160 million dollar Hilton Convention Center and Hotel in the Arena District, along with the possibility of a downtown casino, the expansion of air travel is an important aspect of making Columbus more accessible to visitors. The new convention center hotel will include 500 guest rooms, and over 30,000 square feet of event space. Over the next five years Columbus hopes to see a substantial increase in tourism dollars, and the growth of the airport will greatly impact the cities travel possibilities.