Carmel holiday market attendance more than doubles in second year
In its sophomore year, Carmel’s Christkindlmarkt drew 328,000 people to Carmel’s Center Green. Sales revenue also jumped significantly.
Tourism & Hospitality
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Visit Indy reports seventh straight year of rising visitor spending
A record 28.8 million people visited the Indianapolis in 2017, generating a $5.4 billion economic impact, according to figures released Wednesday afternoon by Visit Indy as part of its State of Tourism event.
Bill would boost CIB funding, require new 25-year deal with Pacers
A bill filed by Senate Appropriations Chairman Ryan Mishler would extend the life of multiple tourism- and entertainment-related taxes that help fund the Capital Improvement Board and expand the footprint of what’s known as the Professional Sports Development Area to capture even more tax revenue for the CIB. But there’s a catch.
Longtime CIB leader Levengood announces retirement
Nearly 30 years after coming to Indianapolis to head the city’s convention efforts, Barney Levengood is retiring later this year.
State may revamp tourism department, create quasi-governmental agency
Several lawmakers, lobbyists and state officials are pushing for sweeping changes to the state’s tourism bureau.
State lawmaker expects Indianapolis to be considered for casino
The Indiana General Assembly is likely to consider a proposal that would allow Gary’s two casino licenses to be relocated this year—one would stay in Gary, while the other could move to another city in the state.
Colts unveil changes to cheerleader uniforms, programming
Nearly 65 years after introducing the NFL’s first pep squad, the Indianapolis Colts are making several changes to their cheerleading program amid the backdrop of the #MeToo movement.
Gov. Holcomb wants to keep Pacers in Indy, will consider plans to improve CIB facilities
The Capital Improvement Board of Managers will ask lawmakers for more long-term funding that could be used in part for improvements at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The governor says he’s ready to listen.
Orange County economic-development veteran to become state tourism director
Misty Weisensteiner succeeds Mark Newman, who had been in the post six years when he stepped down in August to become executive director of Indiana Public Broadcasting Stations.
Seafood restaurant planned for hotel across from Bankers Life Fieldhouse
The new locally developed seafood eatery is one of four retail tenants that have agreed to lease space in the dual-branded Hyatt Hotel development across from Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The restaurant plans a second location at the Yard at Fishers District.
Visit Indy seeking 3 percent increase in CIB funding for 2019
The city’s tourism agency plans to ask the Marion County Capital Improvement Board of Managers for an increase in funding, but is planning a slightly smaller overall budget in 2019.
State incentives help keep FFA convention in Indianapolis through 2031
Under an agreement with the state, FFA will receive $500,000 annually over the seven-year extension, which will help pay for convention-related expenses.
Indianapolis wins bid to host FFA convention through 2031
The National FFA Convention & Expo says the event, which draws nearly 70,000 visitors, had an estimated economic impact of $39.8 million when it was hosted here this year.
Fishers district earns statewide arts, cultural designation
The Indiana Arts Commission Board voted to designate the Nickel Plate District in Fishers as a Statewide Cultural District, a designation held by only seven other communities in the state.
Downtown Indy calls off civic New Year’s Eve celebration
An outdoor New Year's Eve event in downtown Indianapolis that attracted 40,000 people just two years ago has been scratched.
IBJ Podcast: Why the Indy CIB will ask the Legislature for millions of dollars
The Capital Improvement Board will seek at least $8 million from lawmakers to help fund what officials say will be a 25-year plan for improvements in the Indiana Convention Center, Bankers Life Fieldhouse and other facilities the CIB owns.
Tourism officials expect another big impact from Big Ten Football Championship Game
Tourism bureau Visit Indy has spent about $60,000 on advertising over the past two weeks targeting Ohio State and Northwestern fans in Columbus, Ohio, and Chicago.
Kite seeks to minimize risk in convention-hotels project
Hospitality industry observers say this is far from an ideal time for Kite—a publicly traded real estate investment trust specializing in shopping centers—to veer outside its core business and tackle what would be a risky and colossal project that easily could cost more than $600 million.
Bidders on state park’s concert stage upgrade go wide of mark, delaying work
New restrooms will be ready for concertgoers at the Farm Bureau Insurance Lawn, but a key portion of the venue’s two-year, $27 million revamp must wait until 2020.
Developer in downtown hotel project sues bank in rift over relocating branch
Loftus Robinson plans to transform the 16-story tower into a 130-room Kimpton-brand hotel. But it says it has hit a snag with moving Centier Bank from the ground floor.