Hamilton County's Billion-Dollar Tourism Boost

Hamilton County's tourism industry is booming, with a significant increase in visitors contributing to a billion-dollar boost for local businesses. The annual Peony Festival, held in Noblesville, is just one of the many events that draws thousands of people to the area.

Kelly McVey, founder of the Indiana Peony Festival, emphasized the importance of the event: "It's a great way to celebrate our Hoosierness because the peony is such a big deal for so many of us."

Visit Hamilton County notes that each community in the county has its own unique draw, from events like the Carmel Christkindlmarkt and Grand Park Sports Campus, to the Fishers Event Center.

Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen says the tourism industry has brought new life to the area: "It's a game changer. I think it's part of the regional conversation that we've had in Central Indiana the last couple of years."

The economic benefits are substantial, with visitors contributing about $1 billion to local businesses in 2023 alone.

Jensen explained: "Our downtown restaurants depend on it, our hotels depend on it. We have a bunch of mom-and-pop operations here in Noblesville, small businesses that make up the backbone of Noblesville's fabric, and they are hugely supported by events like this."

As the tourism industry continues to grow, Visit Hamilton County is poised to work on a new strategic plan: "We're going to be working on a new strategic plan, really understanding what are the areas where we can grow or what the ways are that we can enhance some of our local events," explained Gabby Blauert from Visit Hamilton County.