IBJ Podcast: These downtown hotel projects appear stalled
Nineteen hotel projects have been announced for downtown. If every one of them opens, they would add 4,203 more rooms to the central district of Indianapolis. But that’s not likely.
Tourism & Hospitality
Articles
Owner of prime downtown parking lot considering hotel development
A Peachtree official said the company bought the land for the development opportunity and is now “evaluating our options to potentially build on the lot.”
Stocks, oil prices plunge as virus closes sites around world
The world’s largest economies delivered more worrisome cues Monday as anxiety over the virus outbreak sent stock and oil prices plunging and closed sites from the Sistine Chapel to Saudi Arabian schools.
Anxiety grips companies around globe as virus spreads
Since breaking out of China, the coronavirus has had a chilling effect on companies related to manufacturing, travel and tourism, which then hampers other industries and weakens consumer confidence.
New owners rename Amish tourist site as The Barns at Nappanee
Formerly known as Amish Acres, the attraction has drawn about 150,000 visitors annually to its historical cabins, barns and other structures.
Major downtown convention postponed due to coronavirus outbreak
A conference and trade show that was expected to draw nearly 10,000 people to Indianapolis is the first local convention to be postponed or called off due to the virus.
Local tourism, convention officials prepare for impact from coronavirus
Officials say no events have been canceled locally, but groups—including the NCAA and Visit Indy—are watching the news and weighing their options.
Virus hammers business travel as wary companies nix trips
The cancellations and travel restrictions are a major blow to business travel, which makes up around 26% of the total travel spending. The Global Business Travel Association estimates the virus is costing the business travel industry $47 billion per month.
Coronavirus fears prompt cancellation of big Chicago trade show
The trade-only event scheduled for March 14-17 had been expected to draw 60,000 visitors and 2,200 exhibitors from 45 countries.
Huge cost overruns on Carmel hotel fuel questions about construction costs
The cost of the 122-room, city-backed hotel has swelled to $58.5 million, up from $40 million when the Carmel City Council green-lighted it two years ago. Some councilors have called for an audit to dig into the details.
21 organizations from across Indiana selected for All-Star grants
The $1 million initiative was announced in October as a legacy project tied to next year’s All-Star festivities, with each group receiving up to $50,000 in funding for youth-serving projects.
Four from Indianapolis named James Beard semifinalists
A chef, a restaurateur and two restaurants were named as semifinalists for the James Beard Awards, which are often referred to as the Oscars of the restaurant industry.
Player reps, NFL negotiators meet for 4 hours about new contract
Players union representatives and members of the NFL’s negotiating committee got together Tuesday in Indianapolis to hash out their differences in a new labor agreement the owners approved last week.
Big changes coming to the NFL scouting combine this year
Fewer assistant coaches will watch those prospects run through drills in person this year, and downtown Indianapolis bars and restaurants should be quieter as many of the on-field drills move from morning and afternoon into prime time.
Indianapolis plans to make 2021 All-Star Weekend a tribute to basketball
Fresh off a trip to Chicago for this year’s NBA All-Star Weekend, city officials are contemplating how best to celebrate the sport when the city hosts the event next year.
Distillery Trail map features 18 Indiana locations
The Distillery Trail brochure and map lists 18 distilleries that are part of the Indiana Grown initiative and produce craft spirits, such as whiskey, vodka and gin.
Longtime Indiana amusement park verifies closure after 94 years
Indiana Beach officials confirmed that the business has closed after 94 years of operation in a statement issued Wednesday, a day after news of the closure broke.
Speedway Indoor Karting planning expansion to Daytona Beach
Former IndyCar driver Sarah Fisher and husband/business partner Andy O’Gara, who opened Speedway Indoor Karting nearly four years ago, plan to open a second karting facility next door to Daytona International Speedway, they announced Wednesday.
Conservationists vie for zoo’s $250,000 Indianapolis Prize
The Indianapolis Zoo on Tuesday announced the six finalists for this year’s $250,000 Indianapolis Prize, which is considered the world’s leading award for animal conservation.
Economic fallout from China’s coronavirus mounts across globe
Among the first tangible impacts in the U.S. is a decline in the number of Chinese tourists. Visitors from China represent a lucrative market for American airlines, hotels, luxury retailers and entertainment venues.