Children’s Museum, Newfields, Zoo, Eiteljorg announce reopening plans
Several of the city’s largest cultural attractions are rolling out plans to reopen after long closures during the pandemic.
Tourism & Hospitality
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Hotels betting on more staycations to survive pandemic
With business and air travel barely breathing, hotel companies are betting on the leisure traveler as a short-term strategy for survival.
Chicago loses massive trade show to coronavirus pandemic
More than 129,000 people had signed up to attend the International Manufacturing Technology Show, making it the largest convention scheduled for the city this year.
As business trickles back, hotels compete on cleanliness
Hotels see cleaning standards as a way to soothe jittery guests—and possibly win back business from rivals like home-sharing companies like Airbnb.
Despite pandemic, Indiana’s RV industry sees demand surge
The coronavirus pandemic has made many consumers cautious of air travel, cruise ships and hotels, and they now see RVs as a safer mode of travel and better vacation alternative.
Q&A: Elaine Bedel on raising money for women-led research
Development Corp., is helping raise money for a women-focused cancer research initiative. The campaign, which will run through June, is in its second year.
Pandemic, violence put Indy downtown at crossroads
The one-two punch of the pandemic and protest-related violence raises questions about whether downtown can recover. Experts and community leaders say yes—but only with concerted effort and strong leadership.
Brickyard 400, affiliated races to run without spectators on July 4 weekend
Indianapolis Motor Speedway officials said allowing spectators would be too difficult because of possible social distancing restrictions in place for the COVID-19 pandemic.
Downtown July 4 Freedom Fest, fireworks display called off
Organizers said public health concerns and financial resources were the main factors in canceling the 50-year-old event.
Gen Con cancels for 2020, but extends contract with city for two more years
Gen Con—the single-largest event the Indiana Convention Center hosts on an annual basis from an economic impact standpoint—will become an online event this year. Organizers said the social nature of the gaming event made it impossible to hold in-person.
Ravaged Indy hotels in danger of delinquencies, defaults
Experts say hotels of all sizes are under tremendous stress as revenue for many falls below the levels needed for debt payments.
Gaming Commission set to vote on Terre Haute casino license
After delays, the Indiana Gaming Commission is poised to consider awarding a casino license to a subsidiary of Spectacle Entertainment, now that two former executives of Centaur Gaming have divested their interests in the project.
Seahorse expert wins Indianapolis Prize for conservation
A Canadian scientist described as the “preeminent authority on seahorse ecology and conservation” has won $250 prize from the Indianapolis Zoo, organizers announced Tuesday.
IBJ Podcast: Wedding season walloped by COVID leads to postponements, tears, pizza parties
Hundreds of thousands of couples who for months have been picking preachers, flowers, venues, bridesmaid dresses, reception menus and DJ playlists now find themselves making a heart-wrenching, no-win decision.
Conventions rush to reschedule, make most of 2020 events
The local tourism industry is bracing for a “very tough” end to 2020, despite efforts to reopen the state by July 4.
Airport could see lower-than-expected activity for up to 3 years, leader says
Mario Rodriguez, executive director of the Indianapolis Airport Authority, said activity has dropped to as low as 5% of typical operations, with the the facility serving only 14 of its 53 destinations.
Pearl Street Pizzeria, Pure Eatery sue insurer over COVID-19 claim denial
The suit, filed earlier this month, alleges that Wisconsin-based Society Insurance rushed to deny the restaurants’ claims for COVID-19-related business losses without properly investigating the claims.
Black Expo calls off in-person Summer Celebration, Circle City Classic events
Organizers say they are planning to provide some events digitally. Officials said they are particularly concerned about the disproportionate effect the coronavirus is having on African Americans.
Area businesses could take $85M blow from Grand Park closure
While the expected economic impact to the region is high, Westfield officials say they don’t expect the closure to have a game-changing impact on the city’s budget.
Downtown hotel occupancy fell 91% as health crisis escalated
The entire market saw a 68% drop in occupancy from the week of March 1-7 to the week of March 29-April 4, according to data from Tennessee-based hotel research firm STR.