A new reports shows a record number of people are visiting Indiana and spending more in the process.
The survey from Rockport Analytics shows 79-million people visited the Hoosier state in 2016, and spent and estimated $12.2 billion. Those are both new records says Inside Indiana Business, who spoke to state Tourism Chief Newman.
He credits the Capitol City’s expanded ability to host convention and big events such as GenCon and the FFA Convention, as well as other destination spots like the Indiana Dunes and National Lake Shore to the north and the West Baden Hotel and Casino in French Lick to the south.
He adds sporting events like the Big Ten Football Championship Game and the Indianapolis 500 have become key in driving tourism numbers up as well. The reports shows tourism is the fastest-growing job sector in the state and now the 9th largest industry in Indiana.