THE INDIANA DESTINATION DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

CELEBRATES NATIONAL TRAVEL AND TOURISM WITH IN INDIANA WEEK

For Immediate Release

INDIANAPOLIS (May 16, 2024) ? Indiana Destination Development Corporation (IDDC)?is celebrating "IN Indiana Week" in conjunction with National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW) from May 19 to 25.

Established in 1983, NTTW has become a cherished tradition, celebrating the United States travel community and highlighting how travel stimulates economic growth, creates quality jobs, inspires new businesses and elevates the quality of life for Americans every day. Travel is essential to driving economic growth and job creation in states, destinations and communities across America, and it is indispensable to our nation?s global competitiveness. In 2023, travelers in the U.S. directly spent $1.3 trillion, which produced an economic footprint of $2.8 trillion and supported more than 15 million American jobs. Indiana's tourism industry has a significant impact on the state's economy. According to a Rockport Analytics study, Indiana tourism contributes $6 billion in economic contributions to the state and generates approximately $1.6 billion in state and local taxes. Indiana's tourism industry also supports over 200,000 jobs. Throughout IN Indiana Week, the IDDC is partnering with several organizations to do outreach in key markets and encourage tourism in the Hoosier state. "IN Indiana Week is a time for us to celebrate the impact that Hoosier tourism has on our state," said Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, Indiana's Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. "Tourism industry workers across the state continuously create unforgettable memories for our visitors and residents all year long, and we are proud to celebrate their efforts and enjoy all that Indiana has to offer."

IN Indiana Week Agenda:

• Sunday, May 19: The Department of Natural Resources is offering free admission to all Indiana State Parks.
• Monday, May 20 and Tuesday, May 21: IDDC staff visits Cincinnati, Ohio at Fountain Square with photo opportunities with Garfield and promotional items for Indiana tourism. Hoosier motorcycle racer, Nolan Lamkin, joins IDDC staff on Tuesday in Cincinnati.

Week-long Giveaways: Enter to win the following prizes on our social media channels @VisitIndiana on Facebook?and Instagram.

• Festival Country: $75 gift to Green's Pizzeria and Tapp Room, Free U-Pick Bouquet at Dollie's Farm.
• Visit Hamilton County: Family fun getaway to Hamilton County - Conner Prairie, hotel, dining and additional activities.
• Lafayette, West Lafayette: Four day passes to Tropicanoe Cove Water Park.
• Visit Shipshewana: Shipshewana Off the Beaten Path Amish Country Adventure Getaway.
• Visit Vincennes/Knox County: Two tickets to the Red Skelton Comedy Experience, including a beginning stand-up comedy lesson with Tamale Sepp, a comedian, skydiver and Second City teacher, as well as three days of comedy and nostalgia.
• SoIN Tourism: The Woods ATV Adventure in SoIN! This prize offers a ride for up to four people through scenic southern Indiana trails.

"IN Indiana Week shines a spotlight on our diverse attractions, rich culture, Hoosier hospitality and all things that make Indiana a premier destination," said IDDC Secretary and CEO Elaine Bedel. "We will be showcasing the best of what our state has to offer and inspiring visitors to make Indiana their first choice when travel planning. Indiana is a great place to live, work, learn and play and we are proud to invite visitors to come see what we see IN Indiana."

For more information about things to do in Indiana, click here.

Follow Visit Indiana on social media at @VisitIndiana on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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