Task Force to Focus on Reopening Indy to Visitors

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As businesses begin to reopen around the state, tourism officials are also preparing for business, post-pandemic. At a mid-year briefing Wednesday, Visit Indy said the coronavirus has prompted the cancellation of 100 conventions and meetings in the city, putting a severe strain on one of the region’s important economic sectors.  

Visit Indy Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications Chris Gahl tells Inside INdiana Business a task force will examine ways for the city to safely welcome guests—from the airport to the convention center to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. 

The cancellation or postponement of major sporting events, like the Indianapolis 500, have contributed to hotel occupancy rates dropping into the single digits. 

Similarly, the Indianapolis Airport Authority is reporting the number of travelers through Indianapolis International Airport has plummeted to about 5% of normal.

Visit Indy estimates the city attracted 30 million visitors in 2019, who pumped $5.6 billion into the local economy. The organization says tourism employs about 80,000 Indianapolis area residents, many of whom are now out of work.