News Releases RSS
2018
Now Accepting Applications for Indiana Tourism’s Destination Development Grant Program
INDIANAPOLIS (September 6, 2018) – Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch and the Indiana Office of Tourism Development (IOTD) announced today that the application period for its Destination Development Grant program is...
Your vote decides the 2018 Best of Indiana State Parks & Recreation Areas, Museums and Burgers
INDIANAPOLIS (August 31, 2018) – Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch and the Indiana Office of Tourism Development (IOTD) announced today that voting is now open for the 2018 Best of Indiana...
Michael Crowther Receives Tourism Industry’s Highest Honor from Lt. Governor
INDIANAPOLIS (August 17, 2018) – Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch and the Indiana Office of Tourism Development (IOTD) announced today during the Hoosier Hospitality Awards that the CEO of the Indianapolis...
Indiana Bike Trails Task Force Meeting
INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Bike Trails Task Force will convene on June 20, 2018 at 10 a.m. EST at the Indiana State Library, 315 W Ohio St, Indianapolis, IN 46202...
Meeting Notice: Indiana Bike Trails Task Force
The Indiana Bicycle Trails Task Force will have three subcommittee meetings on Wednesday, May 23, 2018 at the Ballroom in The Garrison at Fort Harrison State Park at 6002 N...
Get an Up-Close Look at Animals & Wildlife on Wild Wednesday
Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch and the Indiana Office of Tourism Development (IOTD) are celebrating Visit Indiana Week in conjunction with National Travel and Tourism Week on May 6 through May...
Sip and Sample on Tastings Tuesday
Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch and the Indiana Office of Tourism Development (IOTD) are celebrating Visit Indiana Week in conjunction with National Travel and Tourism Week on May 6 through May...
Make memorable moments on Museum Monday
Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch and the Indiana Office of Tourism Development (IOTD) are celebrating Visit Indiana Week in conjunction with National Travel and Tourism Week on May 6 through May...
Visit Indiana Week kicks off with FREE admission to State Parks
Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch and the Indiana Office of Tourism Development (IOTD) are celebrating Visit Indiana Week in conjunction with National Travel and Tourism Week on May 6 through May...
Over 200 Reasons to hit the road for Visit Indiana Week
Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch and the Indiana Office of Tourism Development (IOTD) are celebrating Visit Indiana Week in conjunction with National Travel and Tourism Week on May 6 through May...
Have a premier golfing experience, only in Indiana
INDIANAPOLIS (April 20, 2018) – The Pete Dye Golf Trail is a one-of-a-kind collection of golf courses, you’ll only find in Indiana. Dye is considered in many circles to be...
Meeting Notice: Indiana Bike Trails Task Force
INDIANAPOLIS (March 19, 2018) – The Indiana Bike Trails Task Force will convene on March 21, 2018 at 10 a.m. EST at the Indiana State Library, 315 W Ohio St,...
Destination Development Grants awarded to Indiana Railway Museum and City of Jeffersonville
INDIANAPOLIS (March 2, 2018) – Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch , who oversees the Indiana Office of Tourism Development (IOTD) and chairs the Indiana Tourism Council announced that $470,000 in matching...
Classic Rock Legends The Guess Who, Award-Winning Country and Bluegrass Artist Marty Stuart, and “Max Weinberg’s Jukebox” Highlight Lincoln Amphitheatre’s 2018 Performance Series
On the heels of a 2017 performance series that saw five sellouts and an increase in overall attendance by more than 40 percent over the prior year, the Lincoln Amphitheatre...
Honest-to-Goodness Experiences Await! The Official 2018 Indiana Travel Guide and Roadway Map Are Now Available
INDIANAPOLIS (January 4, 2018) – Indiana boasts breathtaking state parks, world class museums, award-winning wineries and breweries, stunning architecture, beautiful landscapes and much more. There are travel opportunities to fit...
2017
Another Record Year for Indiana Tourism
Number of Visitors and Visitor Spending Reach New Highs INDIANAPOLIS (December 11, 2017) – A new study released by Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch and the Indiana Office of Tourism Development...
Notice of Public Meeting: Indiana Tourism Task Force Meeting
The Indiana Tourism Task Force will convene on Monday, December 11, 2017 at 8:30 a.m. EST in Conference Room 5 of the Indiana Government Conference Center in Indianapolis. The Indiana...
Indiana Lands 6-Day National Agritourism Convention in 2019
INDIANAPOLIS (November 29, 2017) – The nation’s foremost agritourism convention is coming to Indiana in 2019, announced Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch. Hosted by the Indiana Office of Tourism Development (...
Indiana Taps & Touchdowns adds The Indiana Office of Tourism Development as Presenting Sponsor
INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana Sports Corp is pleased to announce the Indiana Office of Tourism Development (IOTD) as the presenting sponsor of the fourth annual Indiana Taps and Touchdowns. The event...
The People Have Spoken! “Best of Indiana” Winners Revealed
INDIANAPOLIS (November 7, 2017) – Another record setting year of voting and the results are in for Visit Indiana’s Best of Indiana Fall awards. More than 24,000 Hoosiers selected Indiana’s Best Fall Festival, Best Historic Destination, and Best Tenderloin. The winners are:
Office of Community and Rural Affairs Announces Opening of Community Development Block Grant Round 3
INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) announces a third round for 2017 of Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) is now open and accepting proposals from...
Indiana Bicentennial Torch Relay Wins Statewide Award
Indianapolis— A project that touched each of Indiana's 92 counties is the winner of a statewide award. The Indiana Historical Society (IHS) proudly presents the Indiana Office of Tourism Development...
Bicentennial Torch Relay Documentary Wins Coveted Spot in Heartland Film Festival, Selected As Part of the Indiana Spotlight Series
INDIANAPOLIS (September 15, 2017) – “Everlasting Light: The Story of Indiana’s Bicentennial Torch Relay” has been selected for screening at the 2017 Heartland Film Festival in Indianapolis. Hoosiers can relive...
Office of Community and Rural Affairs now Accepting Downtown Enhancement Grant Applications
INDIANAPOLIS – Today, the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) announced the opening of the latest round of grant funding available for Indiana Main Street communities through their...
Indiana Office of Tourism Development Receives Prestigious National Award for Bicentennial Torch Relay
INDIANAPOLIS (September 5, 2017) – The U.S. Travel Association announced the recipients of its 2017 Mercury Awards during the 34th annual ESTO conference, held in Minneapolis and the Indiana Office...
Now Accepting Applications for Visit Indiana’s Destination Development Grant Program
INDIANAPOLIS (September 1, 2017) – Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch and the Indiana Office of Tourism Development (IOTD) announced today that the application period for its Destination Development Grant program is...
Former Miss America Video Blogs for Visit Indiana
Whether you like apple picking with your family or leaf peeping at the autumn colors, VisitIndianaFall.com is the place to find all your fall trip ideas. It’s the place to...
Op-Ed: Culinary and Agritourism Are Indiana's Calling Cards
INDIANAPOLIS (August 25, 2017) – Coming off another fabulous Indiana State Fair and as we approach our annual Fall harvest, I am compelled to write about the culinary and agritourism...
Mel Riegsecker Awarded Tourism Industry’s Highest Honor
Lt. Governor Crouch and Visit Indiana Honor 19 With Hoosier Hospitality Awards INDIANAPOLIS (Aug. 18, 2017) – Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch and the Indiana Office of Tourism Development (IOTD) announced...
Lt. Governor Crouch Announces Place Based Investment Fund Awards
Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch has announced the Indiana Office of Tourism Development (IOTD) and Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) have awarded six communities a grant for quality...
New Indiana Agritourism Guide and Indiana Brewery & Winery Guide
Farm-based and local tastes. That’s the idea behind culinary tourism and agritourism. The Indiana Office of Tourism Development (IOTD) will be highlighting this initiative at the 2017 Indiana State Fair...
Culinary and Agritourism Regional Stakeholder Meetings Announced
Those interested or involved in Indiana’s thriving culinary and agritourism industries are encouraged to attend one of the six Regional Stakeholder meetings, hosted by the Indiana State Department of Agriculture...
Visit Indiana and Partners To Host International Travel Agents
Indiana will welcome nearly two dozen international travel agents on Monday and Tuesday. Two concurrent MegaFams (familiarization tours) are taking place on May 15-16. The Indiana Office of Tourism Development...
Celebrate Visit Indiana Week 2017: Join Our First-Ever Road Rally and Follow Us Online
Download Media Kit Here Hop in your car and discover something new in the Hoosier State. Lieutenant Governor Suzanne Crouch and the Indiana Office of Tourism Development (IOTD) are kicking...
Destination Development Grants Awarded to Connect Cultural Districts & Military Museum Expansion
Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch and the Indiana Office of Tourism Development (IOTD) announced that two matching grants were awarded by the Indiana Tourism Council. “Indiana Tourism’s grant programs are dedicated...
New Sites added To Historic Tri-state Tourism Trail Paying Homage To Abraham Lincoln
The Indiana Office of Tourism Development (IOTD) in conjunction with the tourism offices in Kentucky and Illinois, are honoring the birthday of President Abraham Lincoln on February 12, by re-launching...
Lincoln Amphitheatre’s 2017 Season Highlighted by Grand Funk Railroad, Lee Ann Womack, Mitch Ryder, and the Return of Young Abe Lincoln
Fresh off of a 2016 season that was one of the best attended in the venue’s 30-year history, the Lincoln Amphitheatre has announced a 2017 performance series that will feature...
Unforgettable. Extraordinary. A once-in-a-lifetime event captured on video
INDIANAPOLIS (January 26, 2017) – Hoosiers can relive the memorable moments of the Indiana Bicentennial Torch Relay with a documentary commissioned by the Indiana Office of Tourism Development (IOTD). “Everlasting...
New Year, New Travel Tools from Award-Winning Agency
Official Indiana Travel Guide and Indiana Roadway Map INDIANAPOLIS (January 20, 2017) – The Indiana Office of Tourism Development (IOTD) has been named Best Office of Tourism Development in the...
2016
2015: A record year for Indiana Tourism
Tourism industry has growing impact on Indiana economy A new economic impact report released by Lt. Gov. Eric Holcomb and the Indiana Office of Tourism Development (IOTD) documents the growing...
Calling all crews! Film Indiana under new leadership
INDIANAPOLIS (December 12, 2016) – The Indiana Office of Tourism Development (IOTD) announced today that responsibility for Film Indiana has transitioned from The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC). Film Indiana...
The votes are in! Cataract Falls, Two-EE’s Winery & Bean Blossom Blues Fest named “Best of Indiana”
INDIANAPOLIS (November 9, 2016) – With over 22,000 votes, the results are in for Visit Indiana’s Best of Indiana Fall awards. Hoosiers were asked to select Indiana’s Best Winery Experience,...
How to Create an Indiana Grown Thanksgiving Feast
Visit Indiana’s Executive Director Mark Newman appeared on Fox 59 Morning News in Indianapolis to talk about some of the amazing Indiana Grown products that you should put on your...
Bill and Kathleen Oliver Awarded Tourism Industry’s Highest Honor
Lt. Gov. Holcomb and Visit Indiana also honor 18 with Hoosier Hospitality Awards, Bicentennial Beacon Award INDIANAPOLIS (Aug. 19, 2016) – Lt. Governor Eric Holcomb and the Indiana Office of...
Indiana Bicentennial Torch Relay torchbearer names, uniforms announced
INDIANAPOLIS (June 29, 2016) – Lt. Governor Eric Holcomb , Indiana Office of Tourism Development (IOTD) Executive Director Mark Newman, Indiana Farmers Mutual Insurance President and CEO Kim Smith and...
Your Are Invited: Indiana Bicentennial Torch Relay Press Conference
WHAT: Press conference revealing the names of over 2,200 Indiana Bicentennial Torch Relay torchbearers. Four participants will also unveil the torchbearers’ official uniforms. Onsite promotional booth will include a by-the-numbers...
Just 100 Days until start of Indiana Bicentennial Torch Relay
Today begins the 100 day countdown to the start of the Indiana Bicentennial Torch Relay. In 100 days on September 9, the 3,200-mile journey through Indiana’s 92 counties begins in...
Visit Indiana’s Marketing Asset Grant application period now open
The Indiana Office of Tourism Development (IOTD) announced today that their Marketing Asset Grant application period is now open. IOTD created this matching grant opportunity to assist organizations that focus...
Summer travel season begins with Visit Indiana Week May 1-7
Free admission to state parks on May 1 will kickoff week
Indiana Bicentennial Torch Relay torch route unveiled
Torch will travel 3,200 miles and pass through 260 cities and towns in all 92 counties
Indiana Farmers Mutual Insurance joins Indiana Bicentennial Torch Relay as official partner
Lt. Governor Eric J. Holcomb , Bart Anderson, vice president of marketing with Indiana Farmers Mutual Insurance Company, and Mark Newman, executive director of the Indiana Office of Tourism Development...
2015
Indiana’s tourism efforts continue to significantly impact Hoosiers
Tourism is Indiana’s sixth largest industry and supports nearly 192,000 jobs. Tourism spending contributed $10.7 billion to Indiana businesses, an increase of 3.3% over the previous year, and accounts for over 2.5% of the state’s overall economy.
Purdue designed torch unveiled ahead of Indiana Bicentennial Torch Relay
Governor Mike Pence, First Lady Karen Pence and Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann today unveiled a functional prototype of the torch that will be used throughout the Indiana Bicentennial Torch Relay.
Indiana Office of Tourism Development awards nearly $250,000 in grants to enhance local tourism efforts
The Indiana Office of Tourism Development awarded grants to tourism partners throughout the state. This is the first round of awards from IOTD's new grant programs.
Shigs in Pit, Brown County State Park and Kuehnert Dairy Farm named “Best of Indiana”
With over five thousand votes cast, the public has selected the winners of the annual Best of Indiana awards.
Subaru is official vehicle provider of Indiana Bicentennial Torch Relay caravan
Subaru of Indiana Automotive will provide ten Indiana-made vehicles for the Indiana Bicentennial Torch Relay caravan.
Application period now open for Visit Indiana’s new grant programs
Visit Indiana is now offering competitive grants to tourism partners. IOTD developed these programs to enhance initiatives that increase industry effectiveness, improve marketing and communications and facilitate cooperation among local entities.
Bike trails, you-pick experiences and BBQ joints compete for Best of Indiana
Visit Indiana launches VisitIndiana.com/Fall website, featuring the "Best of Indiana Fall" online voting competition. This year's categories will determine Indiana's Best Biking Trail, Best You-Pick Experience and Best Local BBQ Joint. Voting is open to the public and ends on October 31.
Former Indianapolis Mayor Bill Hudnut awarded tourism industry’s highest honor
Former Indianapolis Mayor Bill Hudnut is this year's recipient of the Will Koch Indiana Tourism Leadership Award. During the ceremony, Visit Indiana and Lt. Governor Ellspermann also honored 20 recipients with 2015 Hoosier Hospitality Awards.
Visit Indiana releases 2016 Indiana Roadway Map presented by Indiana Farm Bureau and Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance
The cover of this year’s map highlights Indiana's bicentennial by featuring Indiana Obelisk by Robert Indiana. The 55-foot sculpture is housed in the Frank and Judy O’Bannon Great Hall of the Indiana State Museum. The map is free of charge.
Lt. Governor Ellspermann awards 11 communities place based investment funding
Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann announced today the Indiana Office of Tourism Development (IOTD) and Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) awarded 11 communities funding for quality of place...
Indiana Bicentennial Torch Relay torchbearer nominations are now open
Indiana Bicentennial Torch Relay is now accepting torchbearer nominations from the public. Torchbearer nominations recognize Hoosiers who demonstrate exceptional public service, excellence in their profession, acts of heroism or volunteer service to their neighborhood, community, region or state.
Free admission to state parks on May 9 highlights Visit Indiana Week
In celebration of Visit Indiana Week, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is once again teaming up with Visit Indiana to offer a day of free admission to all state parks. This year’s free admission date is Saturday, May 9.
Indiana: ALL are welcome here
Indiana has a reputation for Hoosier Hospitality, a reputation earned by the dedication of the 140,500 travel, tourism and hospitality professionals committed to ensuring all who visit the state have...
Lt. Governor Ellspermann Announces Availability of Place Based Investment Funds
Sue Ellspermann LT. GOVERNOR For Immediate Release March 12, 2015 Lt. Governor Ellspermann Announces Availability of Place Based Investment Funds INDIANAPOLIS – Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann announced today that the...
Lt. Governor Ellspermann names Szydlyk to direct Bicentennial Torch Relay
INDIANAPOLIS (February 9, 2015) – Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann today named Noelle Szydlyk the director of the Indiana Bicentennial Torch Relay. Before assuming her new position, Szydlyk spent 16 years...
Tourism industry has growing impact on Indiana economy
INDIANAPOLIS (February 4, 2015) – A new economic impact report released by Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann and the Indiana Office of Tourism Development (IOTD) documents the growing impact tourism has...
Veach’s Toy Station and Dull’s Tree Farm named “Best of Indiana”
The Indiana Office of Tourism Development (IOTD) asked Hoosiers to select Indiana’s best local toy and hobby store and Indiana’s best Christmas tree farm for 2014. After tallying thousands of...
Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore featured on 2015 Indiana Travel Guide cover
Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann and the Indiana Office of Tourism Development (IOTD) announced today the release of the 2015 Indiana Travel Guide featuring Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore in Porter County...
2014
Indiana Bicentennial Torch Relay will highlight state celebrations in 2016
Governor Mike Pence announced a new signature event of the Indiana Bicentennial Commission today during Statehood Day remarks in the south atrium of the Indiana Statehouse. The Indiana Bicentennial Torch...
Christmas trees and toy stores highlight Best of Indiana Winter Awards campaign
The holiday season is here and the Indiana Office of Tourism Development (IOTD) is looking for Indiana’s Best Christmas Tree Farm and Indiana’s Best Local Toy or Hobby Store ...
18th Street Brewery, Brown County State Park and the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis named “Best of Indiana”
With thousands of votes cast, the public has selected the winners of the annual Best of Indiana Fall awards. The awards, a component of the Indiana Office of Tourism Development’s(IOTD)...
Beer, haunts and camping on tap for Visit Indiana’s “Best of Indiana” voting
INDIANAPOLIS (Sept. 8, 2014) – With the autumnal equinox approaching, a well-known crispness will soon fill the air, days will shorten and the final strains of summer’s symphony will trumpet...
Indiana Travel Guide wins national award
The 2014 Indiana Travel guide was recently awarded a national Content Marketing Award by the Content Marketing Institute. Together with our design team partners at Emmis Communications, we submitted the...
Lt. Governor Ellspermann presents Will Koch Indiana Tourism Leadership Award
Lt. Governor Ellspermann presents Will Koch Indiana Tourism Leadership Award Ellspermann and Indiana Tourism also honor 18 recipients with Hoosier Hospitality Awards INDIANAPOLIS (August 15, 2014) – Lt. Gov. Sue...
Indiana Tourism assists international agritourism leaders in formation of new association
INDIANAPOLIS (August 12, 2014) – The Indiana Office of Tourism Development (IOTD) hosted, provided logistical support and participated in the creation of the National Agritourism Professionals Association (NAPA) during an...
IOTD releases Official 2015 Indiana Roadway Map
IOTD releases Official 2015 Indiana Roadway Map presented by Indiana Farm Bureau and Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann and the Indiana Office of Tourism Development (IOTD) announced...
Visit Indiana leads policy discussion with Senator Coats and tourism representatives
INDIANAPOLIS (July 18, 2014) – The Indiana Office of Tourism Development (IOTD) co-hosted a roundtable discussion with United States Senator Dan Coats and representatives from Indiana’s travel, tourism and hospitality...
Free admission to state parks will kickoff Visit Indiana Week
INDIANAPOLIS (April 29, 2014) – The Indiana Office of Tourism Development (IOTD) and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced today that entry to all Indiana state parks is...
Lt. Governor Ellspermann awards Six Communities Place Based Investment Funding
INDIANAPOLIS – Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann announced today that the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) and the Indiana Office of Tourism Development (IOTD) have awarded six Indiana...
Friendly people and authentic experiences, that’s Honest-to-Goodness Indiana
INDIANAPOLIS (February 12, 2014) – Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann and Mark Newman, executive director of the Indiana Office of Tourism Development (IOTD) today unveiled a new consumer brand for Indiana...
2013
Economic impact study confirms tourism is important economic driver for Indiana
INDIANAPOLIS (Dec. 18, 2013) – A new economic impact report released by Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann and the Indiana Office of Tourism Development (IOTD) documents the significant role of tourism...
Tourism Development and OCRA to award $300,000 in grants for community development projects
INDIANAPOLIS (Dec. 13, 2013) – Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann announced today that the Indiana Office of Tourism Development (IOTD) and the Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) are now...
Nappanee Apple Pie, Holiday World and Notre Dame are “Best of Indiana”
INDIANAPOLIS (Nov. 22, 2013) – The voters have spoken and Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann and the Indiana Office of Tourism Development (IOTD) have announced the winners of the 2013 Best...
Final week to vote in Visit Indiana’s “Best of Indiana” contest
INDIANAPOLIS (Nov. 4, 2013) – This is the final week to vote in Visit Indiana’s “Best of Indiana” contest to determine the state’s best signature fall food, best fall family-fun...
Office of Tourism Development opens fall “Best of Indiana” voting
INDIANAPOLIS (Oct. 18, 2013) – As autumn’s brilliant leaf colors arrive, Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann and the Indiana Office of Tourism Development (IOTD) encourage Hoosiers to get out and enjoy...
Office of Tourism Development releases new Travel Indiana tablet app
INDIANAPOLIS (July 23, 2013) - The Indiana Office of Tourism Development (IOTD) announced today the release of the all new Travel Indiana tablet app. Available by free download for both...