I’m excited to share my outlook for tourism in Terre Haute and Vigo County as we head into the 2025 tourism season, especially as we consider the economic impact data from the newest Vigo County Tourism Economic Impact Report by Rockport Analytics. This report underscores the vital role tourism plays in our community, and with momentum we’re already seeing—including a 70% increase in traffic on our new terrehaute.com website since its January launch—I’m confident we’ll continue to grow as a destination. Adding to this optimism, the 2024 National Resident Sentiment study by Longwoods International shows a strong national outlook for travel, with 66% of Americans supporting tourism growth and 65% believing the positive impacts outweigh the negatives, signaling a robust demand for destinations like ours.
The impact report, showed that visitors to Vigo County in 2023 spent $303.9 million on goods and services, generating $177.3 million in net new value added to our economy. This spending supported 4,055 jobs—3,217 directly in tourism-related roles like hospitality and retail, and 838 in indirect and induced roles across supply chains and local industries. These jobs contributed $110 million in wages, with an average of $27,119 per job, benefiting sectors from food services to transportation. Tourism also generated $54.5 million in tax revenue, including $20.9 million in federal taxes and $33.6 million in state and local taxes—enough to fund 2,634 public school students or 626 teachers in Indiana. What this suggests is that if we did not have tourism revenue, each of Vigo County’s households would need to pay an additional $788 annually to maintain our current state and local services. Ranking 12th out of 92 Indiana counties for visitor spending, with a 7.5% growth rate in 2023, Vigo County’s tourism sector is a powerhouse, contributing 6.6% of local employment and making it the 5th largest industry in the county.
This economic impact fuels my optimism for 2025. We’re building on this foundation with new efforts to work with surrounding counties to uplift the West Central Indiana region, giving it more definition and broader awareness as a destination. By collaborating to showcase our collective assets—including some of the best parks and outdoor spaces in the state and throughout the Midwest—we’re highlighting why this region is a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts. From Vigo County’s trails, natural beauty, and unique attractions such as the Griffin Bike Park, to the recreational gems in nearby counties, this regional approach will encourage visitors to explore more of what our area offers, boosting our appeal and economic benefits.
In Vigo County, our city and county park master plans have outlined improvements that will be attractive to visitors and residents as they include such things as adding accessible features, updating or building new structures, and introducing cabins for overnight stays. The new See You in Terre Haute Community Plan will further align resident and visitor priorities by addressing blight, modernizing parks, and upgrading facilities like the YMCA, ensuring our community remains vibrant for everyone. Last year, we celebrated the opening of the Larry Bird Museum, and this year, I’m looking forward to seeing how the modernization efforts currently underway at the Swope Museum and Terre Haute Children’s Museum, upcoming renovations to the Indiana Theater, and the addition of new murals continue to enrich cultural experiences and opportunities for visitors. We’re also laying the groundwork for 2026 with projects underway now, including the new Courtyard hotel downtown, a gold championship-level disc golf course at Fowler Park, the Collett and Deming Park updates, and major renovations to the LaVern Gibson Championship Cross Country Course in preparation for the 2026 NCAA D1 and 2027 D3 tournaments.
The Spring 2025 Indiana Lodging Industry Forecast recommends focusing on “hub-and-spoke” travelers who prefer day or weekend trips, and Terre Haute is perfectly positioned to welcome them. With our historic downtown, a vibrant 41/40 Arts and Cultural District, 200+ restaurants, and a rich calendar of festivals and local markets, the city offers an ideal base for these getaways. The recent creation of a DORA (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area) District downtown further enhances the walkability experience, making it even easier to explore. I encourage both visitors and locals to visit the “Things to Do” section of terrehaute.com, where you’ll find curated experiences like the Hoops Heritage Tour, the Stiffy Green Trail, and a tour of the Brewery District, each showcasing Terre Haute’s unique charm.
I’m thrilled that Terredise has embraced its moniker as a playful nod to our town’s spirit. Visitors often stop by our THCVB office to take selfies with the portable billboard, drawn in by its unique name—it plants the idea that they might just find a little happiness and fun here, which is exactly what we’re all about. The increase in website traffic tells me people are eager to discover Terredise, and with these projects, we’ll turn that interest into visits that continue to support our local economy.
With Terredise’s momentum, regional collaboration, and these strategic developments, I’m optimistic about 2025. Terre Haute, Vigo County, and the broader West Central Indiana region are on the move, and I can’t wait to welcome visitors to experience the happiness and fun we have in store!
