Momentum continues with marquee events & new attractions
A newly released 2024 economic impact study provided by the Indiana Destination Development Corporation and conducted by Rockport Analytics shows the tourism industry’s role as a driver of economic vitality in Hamilton County. Continuing a trend of tourism growth, visitor spending exceeded $1.2 billion toward Hamilton County businesses and net economic impact totaled $733 million.
This sustained momentum has been fueled by a 20 percent surge in hotel rooms over the past three years, driven by a steady dose of regional marquee events and experiences that attract leisure visitation year-round.
Hamilton County Tourism, Inc. (HCT) plays a pivotal role in the county’s tourism economic growth through strategic marketing and promotion, product development and event support that drives economic activity across the destination.
“It’s incredible to witness the growth and evolution of Hamilton County’s tourism economy and the positive impact it has had on the region,” Hamilton County Tourism, Inc. President & Chief Executive Officer Karen Radcliff said. “Tourism directly supports local businesses and promotes a robust job market. It also contributes to improved quality of life for residents.”
Building off the successes of 2024, the organization’s 2025 Year in Review shows that the tourism industry in Hamilton County is not slowing down.
Strategic marketing & promotion
In early 2025, when hotel occupancy and future bookings were lagging by double digits over the previous year, the HCT team worked alongside partners to create packages that drove results. Using data and research tools, HCT ran incentive campaigns for meeting planners during projected lulls in hotel occupancy, which successfully resulted in 20,580 room nights booked throughout the year.
The organization also launched the HamCo Hubway last September, elevating Hamilton County’s trail system through a reimagined trail guide and layered marketing tactics both locally and regionally. During the two-month campaign, the team distributed 19,000 maps and generated 4.3 million digital impressions.
Major event support
In 2025, Hamilton County Tourism affiliate Hamilton County Sports Authority supported 47 sporting events that generated more than $70 million in economic activity. Key events included LIV Golf Indianapolis and World Aquatics, among others, showcasing the county’s capacity to host world-class competitions that drive significant economic benefit to local businesses and the broader community.
Commitment to community
The organization’s community-focused programs also showed strong growth, including support for a county-wide closed captioning initiative to support the Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities. Sustainability was another core focus and included projects such as a tree planting effort at Droplight Grand Park Sports Campus and a new pollinator garden at Ruoff Music Center.
Looking ahead to 2026
Hamilton County will host returning international events, including LIV Golf Indianapolis and the World Fitness Project. HCT will also support new attractions coming to the destination, such as Conner Prairie’s reimagined Museum Experience Center and Skylake Adventure Park.
To learn more about Hamilton County Tourism’s strategic plans and future initiatives, go to HamiltonCountyTourism.com.
