STATEHOUSE (April 3, 2019) – The Indiana State Senate recently supported State Rep. Mike Karickhoff’s (R-Kokomo) legislation to enhance Indiana’s tourism industry and encourage economic growth, which could soon become law.
Nearly 80 million people visited Indiana in 2017, generating $1.4 billion in state and local tax revenue. These increased earnings saved Hoosier households an average of $561. Under Karickhoff’s bill, the Indiana Destination Development Corp. would be established as a joint public-private agency, and replace the current Office of Tourism Development.
“Indiana has seen record-breaking tourism numbers in recent years and Hoosiers are reaping the benefits,” Karickhoff said. “Uniting the public sector with tourism professionals and businesses throughout the state would further grow the industry and help ensure resources are being invested in the right places.”
The new corporation would assume all the tourism office’s previous responsibilities, including marketing the state to attract more visitors.
According to Karickhoff, the new agency would be able to raise its own funds, which could reduce the burden on the state to fund it entirely. Karickhoff said allowing investors to provide financial support for the corporation would help make the tourism industry more competitive on the national level.
“Tourism is a massive, multi-billion dollar a year industry in Indiana and directly employs close to 150,000 Hoosiers across the state,” Karickhoff said. “Establishing the Indiana Destination Development Corp. to partner with the private sector and more freely promote Indiana abroad could have a tremendous, positive impact on local economies. Members of the private sector already see potential in expanding advertising of popular tourist destinations and events, including the Indiana Dunes National Park and Indianapolis 500.”
The Indiana Destination Development Corp. would be headed by a board of seven members made up of the governor or their designee, the president of the Indiana Economic Development Corp. or its designee, and five members appointed by the governor from the private sector tourism industry.
House Enrolled Act 1115 is now eligible for further action by the governor. 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.
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