Visit Indiana Media Insider

INDIANAPOLIS (January 25, 2010) — The Indiana Office of Tourism Development last week received national recognition for doing more with less. Lt. Governor Becky Skillman announced today IOTD received the Gold Award for Best Consumer Newsletter at a national e-marketing summit in Miami, Fla.

“We’re proud of the results achieved by this e-mail program and excited about the potential it has to generate visitor spending in Indiana,” said Lt. Governor Becky Skillman. “Best of all, the program is now being run without using taxpayer dollars.”

The consumer e-mail program for Indiana Tourism was expanded in 2009 from one monthly e-mail to three different e-mails sent monthly to subscribers targeting different areas of interest:

• The Big Idea – Packed with trip ideas for attractions across the state
• The Big Deal – Loaded with discounts and deals on hotels, attractions and other Indiana travel destinations
• The Big To Do – Offers up-to-date information on local festivals and events

 As a result of the improved program, open rates for the consumer e-mails have increased by nearly 200 percent and the number of click-thrus from the new e-mails to VisitIndiana.com has increased 10 times from the previous program.

Additionally, costs of the program have been eliminated. In 2009, operating the e-mail program cost the state $15,300, but IOTD turned it into a revenue-generating effort by selling advertising within the e-mails in 2010 to cover costs.

The improved marketing plan won IOTD the Gold Award at the MarketingSherpa E-mail Summit on Jan. 21. More than 175 submissions were received this year for awards in several different categories.

To subscribe to any of the three newsletters, log on to VisitIndiana.com and submit an e-mail address using the sign-up box at the top of the homepage. An option will be given to select which of three e-mails the subscriber wishes to receive. E-mail newsletters for all three categories are sent every month.  

Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman oversees the Indiana Office of Tourism Development.  Amy Vaughan serves as the agency’s director.

Media Contact:
Curt Brantingham
Indiana Office of Tourism Development
cbrantingham@VisitIndiana.com

The Indiana Office of Tourism Development wants to help holiday shoppers who are looking for a unique gift. “Made in Indiana. Given by You.” is a holiday promotion on VisitIndiana.com that offers a chance to win one of 12 gifts showcasing work from artisans recognized by Indiana Artisan. Each of the gifts features exceptional art or food created by Hoosier artisans whose work has met exceptionally high standards in terms of craftsmanship and taste. To sign up for a chance to win, log on to VisitIndiana.com from November 23 through December 14 and click on the special holiday giveaway section of the homepage. Winners can choose to have the gift sent to them or sent directly to someone special in time for the holidays.

“Supporting local artisans is important, especially during the holiday shopping season,” said Lt. Governor Becky Skillman. “This is a great opportunity for people to see the quality handmade products made by artisans across Indiana.”

Indiana Artisan is an economic development program that supports Hoosier entrepreneurs and expands small businesses through initiatives that identify, support and promote select works of handcrafted art and food. The program is a joint venture of the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs, the Indiana Office of Tourism Development, the Indiana State Department of Agriculture, and the Indiana Arts Commission.

More information about Indiana Artisan is available at IndianaArtisan.org.

Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman oversees the Indiana Office of Tourism Development.  Amy Vaughan serves as the agency’s director.

INDIANAPOLIS (November 20, 2009) – The holidays are a special time of year as family and friends gather to celebrate. Indiana has many holiday traditions, including events and activities across the state that help create lasting memories. Whether it’s a display in Hammond showcasing scenes from the movie “A Christmas Story,” or a holiday tour of homes in historic Madison, there are many ways catch the holiday spirit in Indiana. For those who can’t get enough of Christmas, a trip to Santa Claus, Indiana, is a must – where every day is Christmas!

“Indiana offers a wide variety of festivities that allow families and friends to have fun together during the holidays,” said Lt. Governor Becky Skillman. “This is a perfect time to create a new tradition by visiting some of our great Indiana tourism destinations and events.”

A list of activities can be found on Indiana’s official travel website, VisitIndiana.com. The website is also home to the Indiana Insider blog, featuring many great trip ideas for the holidays and year round.

Media Contact:

Curt Brantingham, Public Relations Manager

Indiana Office of Tourism Development

cbrantingham@VisitIndiana.com

Follow me on Twitter: @INtourismpr

Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden in Evansville has two very cool new reasons to visit. The zoo recently announced that two female jaguar cubs were born at the facility on September 22. The cubs will make their debut on exhibit beginning in late November in AMAZONIA Forest of Riches, an indoor tropical rainforest exhibit that opened in 2008. Live streaming video from inside the jaguar den will also be available at www.meskerjagcam.com.  The two “jagcams” will provide a window into the cats’ world anytime, day or night. The Zoo plans to hold an online naming contest for the cubs when they go on display.  The birth of these jaguar cubs is very significant. As of 2007, there were only about 44 jaguars in facilities accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

“This is truly a ‘Wow Factor’ to be working with the cubs and will be incredibly rewarding to watch our visitors experience their growth,” said Amos Morris, Executive Director, Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden.  “We use successful births as a benchmark of great care.”

In Fort Wayne, the nationally-acclaimed Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo reports that the 2009 season ended with a record 610,949 visitors. That breaks the previous record of 541,399 visitors set in 1996. A survey conducted during the summer shows that visitors came from at least 40 states in 2009. The zoo’s new $9 million African Journey exhibit opened in June and was a big draw for members and first-time visitors. The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo is open from April through mid-October, and hosts the annual Great Zoo Halloween. It will reopen to visitors on April 24, 2010

Source: Mesker Park Zoo and the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo

By Amy Vaughan

Most of us have never experienced a year quite like 2009.  And probably most of us look forward to its end and better times ahead.  And yet, in a year that proved stressful for all of us, we realized more than ever the importance of spending time with family and friends.  

With low consumer confidence, economic uncertainty and job security concerns, people across the country stayed closer to home this year.  In an environment of saving more and spending less, there was an increased value place on using coupons and discounts in this “new normal.” 

We saw these same trends in Indiana as well.  It was definitely a challenging year for Indiana’s tourism industry.  As the summer, Indiana’s busiest tourism season, began, our tourism industry was cautiously optimistic.  If “flat was the new up,” many Indiana tourism attractions hoped to just stay even with last year. 

And yet, many Indiana’s tourism attractions exceeded their summer attendance expectations.  Most attractions had attendance figures that were up slightly over last year, and some fared even better. 

It makes sense.  As a travel destination, Indiana has always been reasonably priced and provided a strong value.  The state’s leisure travel fared best.  For example, attendance at the Ft. Wayne Children’s Zoo was up 15 percent over last year.  The addition of its new African Journey exhibit contributed to an all time high attendance of 545,000 visitors.  At Conner Prairie, overall visitation was up and its new balloon exhibit attendance exceeded projections by more than three times.  Holiday World and Splashin Safari’s attendance was up 2 percent   over last year as well.  Meanwhile, Evansville’s Metsker Park Zoo’s attendance was up 15 percent over last year.

Hotels and restaurants continue to struggle nationally and in Indiana.  Recent figures from the National Restaurant Association show that Indiana restaurants reported same-store sales and traffic results similar to the national average. Nineteen percent of Indiana respondents reported higher same-store sales while 56 percent reported a sales decline. Operators reported net-negative sales for the 15^th consecutive month but Indiana operators are more optimistic about the general business conditions in 6 months than reported nationally.

On the hotel side, the news is even less optimistic. Industry experts do not expect an imminent recovery. PKF Hospitality Research forecasts record declines this year, and they do not feel revenue per available room levels will increase until 2011.     

Thankfully, as the year winds down, we’re beginning to see some signs of recovery.  And, in the midst of fall we’re reminded of the passing of time and the importance of making memories with family and friends.  With pumpkin patches, hayrides and apple orchards, fall is rich with opportunities to create annual family traditions. 

There’s still time to take advantage of the many great experiences here in Indiana.  Hoosiers can save money by traveling in-state and support Indiana’s tourism businesses.  With family attractions, scenic drives, festivals, shopping, destination restaurants, outdoor recreation and wineries, the options are endless.

A great trip planning resource is VisitIndiana.com.  View the Leaf Cams in Brown County, Spring Mill State Park, the French Lick Resort, Corydon and The Fort Golf Course for updates on fall color.  And check out the more than 300 discounts, including offers such as:  $229 Family Fun Package at French Lick Resort; $2 off Bluespring Caverns fall boat ride; $140 rate at the Leavenworth Inn with breakfast and wine tasting;  two for one admission at the Studebaker National Museum; $2 off Conner Prairie admission; and $10 off Amish Acres regular room rate.

Not only can Hoosiers save money by traveling in-state, they also help an important segment of Indiana’s small businesses.  Did you know that 90% of all tourism businesses in Indiana can be classified as small businesses?  Indiana entrepreneurs own cabins, hotels, restaurants, shops, attractions, wineries, marinas and more.  People who live in our communities are investing their own money in businesses and attractions that are supported by tourism. 

Tourism is also important when it comes to jobs.  Tourism provides jobs for approximately 275,000 Hoosier.  More than 62 million visitors come to Indiana each year, and they spend $10 billion in local communities. 

For trip ideas, festivals/events and more than 300 discounts, log on to VisitIndiana.com. 

Vaughan is the director of the Indiana Office of Tourism Development.

The five Leaf Cams are located in areas with great fall activities. Click here to read more about fall travel ideas in Indiana.

INDIANAPOLIS — Scenic views from five Indiana locations can be seen online at VisitIndiana.com through a special Leaf Cam promotion from the Indiana Office of Tourism Development. Until Nov. 13, visitors can click on a special Leaf Cam section of VisitIndiana.com to watch current images of the leaves at each location.

The five Leaf Cam locations for 2009 are: The Fort Golf Course at Fort Harrison State Park in Indianapolis; French Lick Resort in French Lick; Corydon Capitol State Historic Site in Corydon; Hilltop Cabins in Brown County; and Spring Mill State Park in Mitchell.

“Go online and see the beauty of fall in Indiana, but don’t stop there,” said Lt. Governor Becky Skillman. “You haven’t seen anything until you tour the state and experience it up close.”

In addition to viewing the Leaf Cams, visitors to the Leaf Cam section of VisitIndiana.com can sign up for a chance to win a getaway to one of the Leaf Cam locations. Visitors are also encouraged to upload their best fall photos of Indiana to Visit Indiana’s Flickr photo-sharing site.

VisitIndiana.com is the official travel resource for planning a vacation or getaway in Indiana. The Web site’s homepage makes it easy to find travel discounts and coupons, find festivals and events, and get trip ideas from the Indiana Insider blog. Visit Indiana information is also available via Twitter and Facebook.

Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman oversees the Indiana Office of Tourism Development.  Amy Vaughan serves as the agency’s Director.

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June 12 events include plaza dedication, LINCOLN theatrical experience premiere

LINCOLN CITY, IND – A new monument in honor of Abraham Lincoln’s Hoosier youth will be dedicated and unveiled tomorrow, Friday, June 12, in Lincoln State Park. The dedication ceremony anchors a day of celebration and family fun that includes music, activities, period demonstrations and the world premiere of “LINCOLN,” the new theatrical experience.

The public is invited to attend the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Plaza dedication ceremony, which starts at 10:30 a.m. CDT (11:30 a.m. EDT). Admission to the state park is free before 10:30 a.m. CDT. At the ceremony, visitors will enjoy Civil War-era music by a brass quintet from the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra, a performance by the Evansville Children’s Choir, President Lincoln’s second inaugural performed by “LINCOLN” cast member, and remarks from Secretary of State Todd Rokita and the artist and designer who created the work of art. 

“This work of art highlights the impact of Lincoln’s early life in Indiana on his presidency,” said Connie Nass, chair of the Indiana Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission. “It totally engages you – you actually interact with the art. It is more than a statue. It is an educational, meaningful and moving experience for all ages. It is a classroom in the round.”

A variety of free events are available at Lincoln State Park on June 12.

10:30 a.m. – Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Plaza dedication ceremony

11:30 a.m. – Lincoln neighborhood walk

11:45 a.m. – A talk with the plaza’s artist and designer

1 p.m. – Backstage tour of the Lincoln Amphitheatre and set of “LINCOLN”

3 p.m. – Tour of the Colonel William Jones home

“There will be no better day for Lincoln enthusiasts to visit Lincoln State Park,” said Nass. “The plaza unveiling, the premier of the theatrical experience and all kinds of activities in between will be fun and education for all ages.”

Food and drinks will be available at the plaza site. Parking will be available as well in adjacent parking areas with van and bus transportation for those who have difficulty walking. Seating will be limited for the dedication and unveiling ceremony, so spectators are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.

Tickets for the new “LINCOLN” theatrical experience include an Amish family-style meal, children’s pioneer games, artisan demonstrations, the Lincoln exhibit, and free unlimited soft drinks and popcorn during intermission.  Meals will be served beginning at 5:30 p.m. CDT, and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. CDT.  Presidential Section ticket prices are $42.95 for adults, $40.95 for seniors, $38.95 for age 7 to 21, and free for age 6 and under.  RailSplitter section ticket prices are $39.95 for adults, $37.95 for seniors, and $35.95 for age 7 to 21. Visit www.LincolnAmphitheatre.com for more information.

The Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial and Pioneer Living Farm will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the national park, which is across Highway 162 from the state park. Admission to the national memorial is $5 per vehicle.

Fort Wayne, Ind., sculptor Will Clark and George Morrison of the Fort Wayne architectural firm of Morrison Kattman Menze created the plaza design. The IALBC chose Clark and Morrison from among artists across the state who submitted proposals to create a piece of public art, or an arts experience, reflective of 1816 to 1830, the years Lincoln lived in Indiana. The $300,000 art project is a result of a cooperative effort between the IALBC, Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Indiana Arts Commission (IAC) and Indiana Historical Bureau.

The Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Plaza consists of a large, bisected circular plaza. Visitors will first enter an area punctuated with limestone pedestals and interpretive signs signifying key milestones in Lincoln’s formative Indiana years between ages seven and 21.

A central half-circle reminds visitors of young Abraham’s growth from a boy to a man. Visitors can move freely between the pedestals. The second semicircle provides a more intimate space for reflecting upon the man who led this nation. It will contain a twice-life-size bronze bust of Lincoln, accompanied by some of his quotes.

The site is located near the entrance to Lincoln State Park on a knoll known as Oak Grove and surrounded by woods.

The 1,847-acre Lincoln State Park in Spencer County was created in 1932 as a memorial to Nancy Hanks Lincoln. The park also includes the historic home of Col. William Jones (Lincoln’s merchant employer), hiking trails and two scenic lakes.  Visitors also can explore Sarah Lincoln Woods Nature Preserve, named after Abraham’s sister, who is buried in Little Pigeon Cemetery, located inside the park.

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MEDIA CONTACTS: 

Indiana Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission – Jen Schmits Thomas, 317-441-2487, jen@jenthomaspr.com

Indiana Department of Natural Resources – Marty Benson, 317-696-9812, mbenson@dnr.in.gov

Spencer County Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission and Spencer County Visitors Bureau – Melissa Miller, 812-686-8972, tourinfo@psci.net

Lincoln Amphitheatre – Laura Barker, 812-719-7774, laura@lincolnamphitheatre.com

(Click on the following link for a copy a ready-to run article featuring some of the 280+ Indiana travel discounts and packages available at VisitIndiana.com. Feel free to use it for story ideas.)

http://www.in.gov/tourism/pdfs/R2RTravel_deals_Indiana_%205_13_09.pdf

Plus, Five Indiana getaways up for grabs May 11-15 at VisitIndiana.com

INDIANAPOLIS (May 8, 2009) — Visit Indiana Week, May 9-17, celebrates the beginning of the summer travel season in Indiana. Travelers looking for budget-friendly getaways close to home will find more than 250 packages and coupons at Indiana’s official tourism website, VisitIndiana.com. Beginning May 11, a redesigned homepage at VisitIndiana.com will make it easier than ever to find travel deals for Indiana attractions, lodging, restaurants and golf, as well as special packages for family fun, romance and girlfriend getaways.

VisitIndiana.com has packages that include an overnight stay and tickets to places like Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari (Santa Claus), The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, and the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo. Also included are discount coupons to attractions such as Conner Prairie Interactive History Park (Fishers), The Children’s Museum of Evansville, Marengo Cave and the College Football Hall of Fame (South Bend).  

Plus, anyone who goes to VisitIndiana.com from May 11- 15 can sign up for a chance to win a getaway to one of these top Indiana destinations: Amish Acres (Nappanee), Fort Wayne, Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, Indiana Beach Amusement Resort (Monticello) or O’Reilly Raceway Park at Indianapolis. Everyone who enters the contest is eligible to print off coupon offers from all of these locations.

“Summer is a traditional time for family vacations or time away with friends, “said Lt. Governor Becky Skillman. “By offering these discounts, we want to help people travel for less and experience great places just a short drive away in Indiana.”

VisitIndiana.com is an important resource for planning a trip to Indiana. In addition to the online tools available, free copies of the 2009 Indiana Travel Guide or other travel publications can be ordered at VisitIndiana.com or by calling (800) 677-9800.

Tourism is big business in Indiana. Each year, Indiana welcomes more than 62 million travelers, generating more than $10 billion annually in visitor spending.

Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman oversees the Indiana Office of Tourism Development.  Amy Vaughan serves as the agency’s director.

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