INDIANAPOLIS —
The economic downturn has caused at least one state — Washington — to close its tourism office, and it has caused other states to cut funding for their tourism departments.
Brian Blackford, communications director for the Indiana Office of Tourism Development, said the department’s budget has decreased to one third its previous amount — from $4.8 million to $1.9 million — over the past few years.
Blackford said despite this $2.9 million cut, there are no plans to shut down the department.
“We’ve weathered the storm,” Blackford said.
He said the tourism office has survived because it has found creative ways to save money.
“We’ve been tightening our belts like everyone else. The Office of Tourism has creatively stretched every dollar to more with less,” he said. “Here in Indiana, we work hard to stretch taxpayers’ dollars to help promote tourism.”
Last year, efforts to promote tourism resulted in 6.2 million visitors and about $10 billion in revenue, according to the department. Tourism also has helped to create about 250,000 jobs.
The tourism department generates private revenue, currently totaling $1.8 million, and works with state agencies, local partners and small businesses to promote tourism.
Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari, located in Santa Claus, is one of the private businesses that works with the department. Holiday World employs 80 full-time employees and 2,100 seasonal employees.
Paula Werne, director of public relations for Holiday World, said the park has been affected by the budget decreases.
“It has put a small pinch on our ability to reach out to people, especially through television commercials,” Werne said.
She said Holiday World has been able to keep advertising through other methods.
“Despite a tough economy that has certainly provided many challenges to a lot of businesses, we’ve found some bright spots in tourism,” Blackford said.
Blackford said the tourism office has seen a trend of Hoosiers vacationing within Indiana.
Recent Local News
State tourism office works through budget cuts
Holiday World has been a strong performer, however
- Recent Local News
-
-
SWEET TREAT: Volunteers see the attraction of annual Starlight Strawberry Festival
-
Board chair: Parks district best solution for New Albany and Floyd County
Mayor Jeff Gahan’s veto of a new parks deal between the city and county was upheld earlier this month by the New Albany City Council. While the Floyd County Council agreed to still pay an additional $100,000 toward the parks department for the remainder of the year, the city and county remain under a prior agreement that led to funding discrepancies in the past.
-
THE 'V' WORD: SUB: Prosser Career Education Center moves away from stigma of ‘vocational’ school
- TARC sets Memorial Day and Kennedy Bridge route changes
- Indiana man releases hostages, fatally shoots self
-
Vietnam veteran receives medals 46 years after active duty ends
- More travelers to hit the road this Memorial Day weekend
-
Pence talks bridges, jobs during Southern Indiana swing
“I think everyone senses with the recent bridges agreement, the potential for extraordinary growth,” said Mike Pence, a U.S. House member who is seeking to replace Gov. Mitch Daniels and retain the gubernatorial seat for the Republican Party.
- Police: Gunman has hostages in Indiana realty office
-
Delaware woman dies in I-65 crash
-
Collingsworth Family to perform at Silver Heights Retreat Center in New Albany
The Collingsworth Family will be making a return trip to the Silver Heights Retreat and Camp Center in New Albany on Thursday, June 7.
-
Clark County approves self-insurance plan
Clark County Insurance Agent-of-Record Diane Swank presented health insurance renewal options at the council meeting Monday, but the county’s fiscal body decided to recess its meeting in order to review a proposal to move the county to a self-insured plan.
-
New theater directors at NAHS and FCHS ready for their programs
As the curtain falls on the careers of the teachers who put the theater programs of Floyd Central and New Albany high schools on the map, the new blood coming in have big hopes for the programs they’re taking over.
-
Jeff to start enforcing insurance ordinances
A 2004 ordinance that dictates how much city retirees pay for health insurance – ignored for years by Jeffersonville officials – looks like it will now be enforced.
-
Top Gun showing Saturday at the New Albany riverfront
In honor of Memorial Day, the city of New Albany will show the movie “Top Gun” on its new 40-foot screen at the Riverfront Amphitheater Saturday.
- More Recent Local News Headlines
-
