Construction on orangutan center halfway done
The zoo says construction is expected to be complete by December. The center is being funded by a $30 million capital campaign.
Tourism & Hospitality
Articles
Indy tourism officials take aim at close-in target
New program is designed to lure Indiana residents to capital city with large discounts at hotels, attractions
Indy attracts more visitors than much-larger Houston
A comparison of convention and tourism cities.
Indiana tourism spending is fraction of nearby states’
As Indiana slashed its tourism budget, Michigan increased its widespread Pure Michigan ad campaign from $17 million to $27.4 million. Illinois, where budget problems have earned the state the nation’s worst credit rating—A3 by Moody’s Investors Service—spends more than twice as much as Michigan.
HENEGAR: Proposed panhandling ban appears unconstitutional
The American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana believes in the power of the First Amendment to give the powerless a voice. Our constitutional right to free expression allows us to confront our greatest challenges, including poverty and homelessness.
DEGARIS: Ballard’s cricket plan makes good business sense
The mayor’s $6 million plan to renovate an east-side park to accommodate cricket, rugby, hurling and lacrosse has generated a lot of controversy, with the idea of cricket in Indianapolis receiving particularly close scrutiny.
Hamilton County wants squirrels on parade
Inspired by more than 100,000 migratory squirrels that swarmed through Westfield and Fishers in the 1820s, a group of up-and-coming Hamilton County leaders is working on a public-art initiative celebrating the bushy-tailed rodents.
Woodard sells Canterbury Hotel to Ohio firm
Local businessman Turner Woodard had owned the upscale downtown hotel since 2010. Terms of the deal with Columbus, Ohio-based RockBridge Capital LLC, a hotel investment firm, were not disclosed.
500 Festival hires Atlanta marketing exec as CEO
Bob Bryant, a veteran sports marketing executive from the Atlanta area, has been named president and CEO of the 500 Festival, the Indianapolis-based organization announced Wednesday morning.
Indy 500 fans will find track security tighter this year
Fans coming to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for this weekend's Indy 500 will notice some changes in the traditional routine in response to last month's bombing at the Boston Marathon.
Senior curator leaving IMA after 11-year stay
Lisa Freiman directed the opening of the Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park: 100 Acres in June 2010 at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. and is credited with transforming the experience of contemporary art in Indianapolis.
IUPUI to move men’s hoops to fairgrounds Coliseum
School and fairgrounds officials announced the five-year deal on Thursday. Playing in the 74-year-old landmark will more than quintuple seating capacity for Jaguar games.
Local enrollment for culinary schools rising
The surprising growth corresponds with the recent expansion of the Indiana Convention Center, and an explosion in the popularity of The Food Network and chef-centric programming. But don’t expect to make a mint.
San Diego tourism market significantly larger than Indy’s
A side-by-side comparison of the tourism and convention industries in Indianapolis and San Diego.
DAY: The hidden value of hospitality and tourism
Tourism and hospitality are often described as the invisible industry—the industry “hidden in plain sight.”
Speedway’s Speed Zone redevelopment project in high gear
Some goals have been realized, while others are moving through the pipeline.
Visit Indy weaves Speedway into marketing campaign
Greater consistency is expected to pay tourism dividends.
New lights only the beginning for Brickyard changes
Everything is on the table for consideration, says new Hulman & Co. CEO Mark Miles.
Boots says live dealers dispute won’t kill gambling bill
Lawmakers remain at odds over whether a bill meant to bolster the gambling industry in Indiana should authorize live dealers at the state’s horse track casinos.
Indiana stage-rules extension approved by legislators
State lawmakers have given final approval to a two-year extension of regulations on temporary outdoor stage rigging developed after the deadly Indiana State Fair stage collapse.