Federal judge blocks state panhandling law from taking effect
A federal judge has issued a ruling against a new state law that would have effectively banned panhandling in downtown Indianapolis starting Wednesday, calling it unconstitutional.
Tourism & Hospitality
Articles
Visit Indy spending $50K on digital ads to entice visitors
The tourism group’s new “You Have Earned It” campaign focuses on Indiana residents and relies heavily on Facebook and Google advertising platforms.
Pandemic spurring rise in RV sales in northern Indiana
Families are turning to road trips this summer in place of air travel and cruise ships.
FFA cancels national convention in Indy as downtown reels from tourism drought
The agriculture-education group cited lingering concerns over the coronavirus pandemic for scuttling the four-day event, which last year brought more than 68,000 people downtown.
Indy-area museums, attractions will restart in phases—often with members-only events first
Though the city will allow museums and cultural institutions to operate at 50% occupancy starting June 19, many are planning to wait a few days or test the waters with a select group of members.
State could miss $330M in tax revenue from depleted hospitality industry
States and municipalities throughout the country are expected to miss out on about $16.8 billion in taxes this year because of the pandemic’s impact on the hospitality industry, a new study says.
Care-free days at theme parks giving way to virus safeguards
From Walt Disney World in Florida to Holiday World in Indiana, amusement parks are taking all kinds of steps to reassure the public and government leaders that they’re safe to visit amid the coronavirus crisis.
Children’s Museum, Newfields, Zoo, Eiteljorg announce reopening plans
Several of the city’s largest cultural attractions are rolling out plans to reopen after long closures during the pandemic.
Hotels betting on more staycations to survive pandemic
With business and air travel barely breathing, hotel companies are betting on the leisure traveler as a short-term strategy for survival.
Chicago loses massive trade show to coronavirus pandemic
More than 129,000 people had signed up to attend the International Manufacturing Technology Show, making it the largest convention scheduled for the city this year.
As business trickles back, hotels compete on cleanliness
Hotels see cleaning standards as a way to soothe jittery guests—and possibly win back business from rivals like home-sharing companies like Airbnb.
Despite pandemic, Indiana’s RV industry sees demand surge
The coronavirus pandemic has made many consumers cautious of air travel, cruise ships and hotels, and they now see RVs as a safer mode of travel and better vacation alternative.
Q&A: Elaine Bedel on raising money for women-led research
Development Corp., is helping raise money for a women-focused cancer research initiative. The campaign, which will run through June, is in its second year.
Pandemic, violence put Indy downtown at crossroads
The one-two punch of the pandemic and protest-related violence raises questions about whether downtown can recover. Experts and community leaders say yes—but only with concerted effort and strong leadership.
Brickyard 400, affiliated races to run without spectators on July 4 weekend
Indianapolis Motor Speedway officials said allowing spectators would be too difficult because of possible social distancing restrictions in place for the COVID-19 pandemic.
Downtown July 4 Freedom Fest, fireworks display called off
Organizers said public health concerns and financial resources were the main factors in canceling the 50-year-old event.
Gen Con cancels for 2020, but extends contract with city for two more years
Gen Con—the single-largest event the Indiana Convention Center hosts on an annual basis from an economic impact standpoint—will become an online event this year. Organizers said the social nature of the gaming event made it impossible to hold in-person.
Ravaged Indy hotels in danger of delinquencies, defaults
Experts say hotels of all sizes are under tremendous stress as revenue for many falls below the levels needed for debt payments.
Gaming Commission set to vote on Terre Haute casino license
After delays, the Indiana Gaming Commission is poised to consider awarding a casino license to a subsidiary of Spectacle Entertainment, now that two former executives of Centaur Gaming have divested their interests in the project.
Seahorse expert wins Indianapolis Prize for conservation
A Canadian scientist described as the “preeminent authority on seahorse ecology and conservation” has won $250 prize from the Indianapolis Zoo, organizers announced Tuesday.