Balloons, buffalo and boutiques may not be the first things you think of when talking about tourism, but for the Huntington County Commissioners those are a few targets for Huntington County economic development.

During the Monday morning commissioners meeting, Tina Disch, director of the Huntington County Visitor and Convention Bureau presented key elements of the 2022 Economic Contribution of Tourism report, adding that the Indiana Tourism industry is a $9.9 billion industry. Huntington County is ranked 20 out of Indiana’s 92 counties.

“We’re known for outdoor recreation, the trails and kayaking,” Disch said after her annual report presentation, also noting destination restaurants such as Joesph Decuis and TwoEs in Roanoke and Nick’s Kitchen in Huntington. “We have to do what we can with the resources we have.”

The impact of tourism is also measured in jobs and taxes. In 2022 Huntington County tourism supported 334 jobs, generated $1.7 million in Federal taxes and $3.1 million in state and local taxes, according to the report.

Having an established social media presence in 2023, Disch measures its success on more followers, which increased 23.4 percent, as well as more reach, impressions and digital ads. In print it looked to visitor guides – TravelIN Girlfriends Getaway, Visit Indiana, Visit Fort Wayne and promoted its festivals in the Indiana Festival Guide. Its focus is on communities in nearby northern Indiana, southwest Michigan and northeast Ohio.

Indiana measures its data from 2021 to 2022, with 2023 not being available until next year. According to Disch, six areas grew in Huntington County. The number of visitors increased 4.5 percent, visitor spending increased 16 percent, taxes increased 15.8 percent, Indiana jobs increased 12 percent, wages increased 15.8 percent and the economic impact was up 15.7 percent.

The commissioners questioned as to what they don’t currently have in the county compared with other counties to bring in tourism dollars. Disch noted that it is one big draw like an amusement park or other major venue.

Commissioner Tom Wall mentioned how the Indiana Tourism Association considers I-69 a highway through the county that goes as far north as Canada and connects south to Mexico. Travelers would stop here to eat, sleep and gas up, and maybe join in a festival along the way.

Commissioner Rob Miller said he was envious of what Wabash has accomplished in its downtown. Disch replied explaining that Huntington County has a lot of good opportunities. After the meeting, she pointed out the county’s opportunities – Heritage Days, Balloon Festival, Forks of the Wabash Pioneer Festival, Roanoke boutiques, the Salamonie festival and county trails. She said earlier that Roanoke is part of that reinvigoration.
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