Local tourism, convention officials prepare for impact from coronavirus
Officials say no events have been canceled locally, but groups—including the NCAA and Visit Indy—are watching the news and weighing their options.
Tourism & Hospitality
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Virus hammers business travel as wary companies nix trips
The cancellations and travel restrictions are a major blow to business travel, which makes up around 26% of the total travel spending. The Global Business Travel Association estimates the virus is costing the business travel industry $47 billion per month.
Coronavirus fears prompt cancellation of big Chicago trade show
The trade-only event scheduled for March 14-17 had been expected to draw 60,000 visitors and 2,200 exhibitors from 45 countries.
Huge cost overruns on Carmel hotel fuel questions about construction costs
The cost of the 122-room, city-backed hotel has swelled to $58.5 million, up from $40 million when the Carmel City Council green-lighted it two years ago. Some councilors have called for an audit to dig into the details.
21 organizations from across Indiana selected for All-Star grants
The $1 million initiative was announced in October as a legacy project tied to next year’s All-Star festivities, with each group receiving up to $50,000 in funding for youth-serving projects.
Four from Indianapolis named James Beard semifinalists
A chef, a restaurateur and two restaurants were named as semifinalists for the James Beard Awards, which are often referred to as the Oscars of the restaurant industry.
Player reps, NFL negotiators meet for 4 hours about new contract
Players union representatives and members of the NFL’s negotiating committee got together Tuesday in Indianapolis to hash out their differences in a new labor agreement the owners approved last week.
Big changes coming to the NFL scouting combine this year
Fewer assistant coaches will watch those prospects run through drills in person this year, and downtown Indianapolis bars and restaurants should be quieter as many of the on-field drills move from morning and afternoon into prime time.
Indianapolis plans to make 2021 All-Star Weekend a tribute to basketball
Fresh off a trip to Chicago for this year’s NBA All-Star Weekend, city officials are contemplating how best to celebrate the sport when the city hosts the event next year.
Distillery Trail map features 18 Indiana locations
The Distillery Trail brochure and map lists 18 distilleries that are part of the Indiana Grown initiative and produce craft spirits, such as whiskey, vodka and gin.
Longtime Indiana amusement park verifies closure after 94 years
Indiana Beach officials confirmed that the business has closed after 94 years of operation in a statement issued Wednesday, a day after news of the closure broke.
Speedway Indoor Karting planning expansion to Daytona Beach
Former IndyCar driver Sarah Fisher and husband/business partner Andy O’Gara, who opened Speedway Indoor Karting nearly four years ago, plan to open a second karting facility next door to Daytona International Speedway, they announced Wednesday.
Conservationists vie for zoo’s $250,000 Indianapolis Prize
The Indianapolis Zoo on Tuesday announced the six finalists for this year’s $250,000 Indianapolis Prize, which is considered the world’s leading award for animal conservation.
Economic fallout from China’s coronavirus mounts across globe
Among the first tangible impacts in the U.S. is a decline in the number of Chinese tourists. Visitors from China represent a lucrative market for American airlines, hotels, luxury retailers and entertainment venues.
Amish Acres tourist site to continue operation after auction
The new owners of Amish Acres’ tourism-related components said they plan to continue using the facilities to host stage events as well as an annual arts and crafts festival but will likely make some changes.
Children’s Museum prepares to invest millions on new programs, exhibits, upgrades
Three temporary exhibits will open this year, and a handful of existing spaces will receive substantial upgrades—including the popular Dinosphere space.
China virus outbreak rams global tourism, costing billions
Businesses around the world that have grown increasingly reliant on big-spending tourists from China are taking a heavy hit, with tens of millions of Chinese residents restricted from leaving their country as the coronavirus spreads.
Indiana casino approval delayed while state probes former Centaur execs
The Indiana Gaming Commission confirmed Friday that is postponing approval of a new Indiana casino while it investigates allegations that top executives at former Indianapolis racino business Centaur Gaming were involved in directing illegal campaign contributions to an Indiana congressional candidate in 2015.
Indy Championships Fund raises more than $20M for major sport events
The money is expected to go a long way in funding three events on the city’s calendar: the NBA All-Star Weekend and the NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four in 2021 and the College Football Playoff National Championship in 2022.
Hostel planned for former church, event center in Fountain Square
Plans for the hostel have been recommended for approval by city staff, because it “would be appropriate and would recognize [the building’s] historical and architectural value.”