STATEHOUSE (Feb. 12, 2019) – The Indiana House of Representatives supported legislation authored by State Rep. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) to increase state tourism and its economic impact.
“Businesses and communities throughout Indiana are experiencing tremendous economic growth thanks to a boost in record tourism from both in-and out-of-state visitors,” Karickhoff said. “To continue this momentum, input from businesses and tourism professionals would help Indiana provide the state’s tourism industry the support it needs and ensure resources are distributed appropriately.”
Under Karickhoff’s bill, the Indiana Destination Development Corp. would be created as a joint public-private funded agency and replace the Office of Tourism Development. The corporation would assume all the office’s responsibilities, and be tasked with marketing and attracting more visitors to the state.
According to Karickhoff, funding for tourism development would no longer be solely the state’s responsibility. Karickhoff said allowing the new corporation to raise its own funds would revitalize Indiana tourism marketing and help the industry become more competitive on the national level.
“Tourism is a $12.7 billion industry in Indiana, supporting hundreds of thousands of full-time jobs for Hoosiers every year,” Karickhoff said. “Through the Indiana Destination Development Corp., the tourism industry and private sector could communicate and collaborate with the state more freely. This partnership could help create more incentives to promote the best of Indiana while strengthening local economies.”
In 2017, Indiana welcomed nearly 80 million visitors. Karickhoff said tourism generated $1.4 billion in state and local taxes, saving Hoosier households an average of $561.
The Indiana Destination Development Corp. would be led by a board of seven members, including the governor or their designee, the president of the Indiana Economic Development Corp. or their designee, and five members from the private sector tourism industry appointed by the governor.
House Bill 1115 can now be considered by the Senate. Visit iga.in.gov for more information.
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State Rep. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) represents House District 30,
which includes portions of Grant and Howard counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
