Indianapolis named finalist for 2018 Super Bowl
Indy joins Minneapolis and New Orleans as the three NFL cities invited to bid on the big game. The 2012 Super Bowl had a $176 million direct economic impact on the city, a study said.
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‘Dynamic duo’ boosts Hamilton County tourism
In eight years with the Hamilton County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Executive Director Brenda Myers has morphed her organization into a developer, grant giver and landlord. The strategy appears to be working.
Canterbury to change name, close for 9-month renovation
The historic downtown hotel’s new owner says the $9.5 million revamp and affiliation with an international brand are needed to compete with new high-end hotels in the Indy area.
Pan Am Plaza hotel may sweeten bowl bid
Indianapolis officials hope to include plans for a new downtown luxury hotel in their bid for the 2018 Super Bowl, but they’re not sure all the pieces for a deal—potentially on Pan Am Plaza—can be put together before a bid presentation for 32 NFL owners in May.
Woodard sells Canterbury Hotel to Ohio firm
Local businessman Turner Woodard had owned the upscale downtown hotel since 2010. Terms of the deal with Columbus, Ohio-based RockBridge Capital LLC, a hotel investment firm, were not disclosed.
Local enrollment for culinary schools rising
The surprising growth corresponds with the recent expansion of the Indiana Convention Center, and an explosion in the popularity of The Food Network and chef-centric programming. But don’t expect to make a mint.
Demand for hotels, tickets spike as NCAA regional looms
Downtown hoteliers are expecting a sellout this weekend, and ticket brokers are reporting a spike in ticket prices even though Indiana University is playing elsewhere.
Indianapolis loses bid to host 2016 Olympic swim trials in stadium
Indianapolis has been eliminated as a candidate to host the 2016 U.S. Olympic swimming trials at Lucas Oil Stadium. USA Swimming told local leaders that the venue would be “challenging for creating an intimate swimming setting.”
Ticket brokers, city to take lumps as IU sent east
Ticket brokers took a gut punch Sunday when NCAA officials announced that Indiana University would not be playing in the Midwest Regional of the men's basketball tournament. Local tourism officials say the economic impact could drop $1.5 million.
Cops to valets: Park cars, not traffic
Indianapolis police are keeping an eye on downtown valets, whose habit of blocking traffic lanes has prompted complaints. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department issued a stern reminder to all valet operators on Jan. 31, the week after the opening of The Alexander Hotel in CityWay at Delaware and South streets.
State hotels see rise in annual occupancy rate
Indiana’s hotels hosted more visitors last year, according to a survey by Hendersonville-based Smith Travel Research.
Hotel, restaurant merger part of larger shakeup
With the consolidation of the Indiana Hotel & Lodging Association and the Indiana Restaurant Association are complete, longtime association leader John Livengood will stepping down
City’s tourism agency reports strong 2012
Indianapolis’ hosting of the Super Bowl last February seems to be paying off for Visit Indy, which says the exposure the city received from the game is translating into more visitor interest.
Workers settle employment lawsuit against local hotels
Sixteen current and former Indianapolis hotel workers have settled their union-backed lawsuit that alleged employment violations by nine area hotels and Atlanta-based Hospitality Staffing Solutions, a subcontractor that employs many hotel workers.
Potential of higher car rental taxes drawing fire
People who come to Indianapolis for business, ball games or other reasons could pay more for their visits if local officials decide to raise taxes on car rentals and professional sports tickets early next year.
Tourism generated $4B for city last year, study says
A study released Thursday says the tourism industry in Indianapolis had an economic impact of nearly $4 billion in 2011, a 10-percent increase from the previous year.
Bloomington approves $27 million downtown hotel project
The Bloomington City Council has approved giving up some city property for construction of a $27 million Hyatt Hotel near the downtown courthouse square.
Downtown Crowne Plaza undergoing $8M renovation
Guest rooms will receive new furniture and bathrooms new floor tile and granite countertops. Improvements also will be made to public and meeting spaces, in addition to food and beverage areas.
Gilchrist & Soames enjoying sweet smell of success
Plainfield-based company provides its soaps and shampoos to world’s most prestigious hotels.
Creditor could take ownership of downtown Comfort Suites
The owner of the hotel, an affiliate of Dora Brothers Hospitality Corp. in Fishers, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in February. German American Capital Corp., which is owed $12 million, could own the property by the end of the year.