ECONOMIC IMPACT OF TRAVEL & TOURISM IN KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
The Kosciusko County Convention and Visitors Bureau (KCCVB) has provided the 2022 Tourism Economic Impact Report conducted through Certec, Inc. In 2022, Kosciusko County experienced an increase in visitors of 5.8%, welcoming 1,671,894 visitors total. These visitors:
- Spent $272 million
- Created 2,548 jobs in Kosciusko County
- Provided 54.3 million in wages
- Generated $64.1 million in tax revenues with $12.7 million locally.
This shows just how valuable travel and tourism truly is to Kosciusko County.
See the complete 2022 KCCVB Travel and Tourism Industry Economic Impact info-graphic
See the complete 2019 KCCVB Travel and Tourism Industry Economic Impact info-graphic
See the complete 2017 KCCVB Travel and Tourism Industry Economic Impact info-graphic
Indiana State Tourism Impact Report
There is no denying that tourism matters in Indiana. Here is some of the data from Visit Indiana’s 2021 economic impact report.
- Indiana destinations welcomed a record 77.3 million visitors (A 16% increase over the previous year).
- Visitors spend a record $13.1 billion in Indiana, up 28.5% over the previous year.
- Tourism is responsible for 5% of all Indiana jobs.
- Indiana visitors generate enough state and local taxes to pay for 26,000 public school teachers.
- Tourism saves Hoosiers money by saving an average of $566 in state and local taxes per household.
2021 State Economic Impact Data Infographic
Kosciusko County as a Travel Destination
Kosciusko County is a visitor destination with abundant destination drivers. The over 100 natural lakes and 11 trail systems in the area provide the perfect backdrop to adventure, relax, and make memories. Not only that, it is the Orthopedic Capital of the World, bringing in business travel as well as leisure travel. Reasons people come to Kosciusko County include leisure travel, group travel, to visit friends and family, for business meetings, and to pursue new career opportunities or to relocate. The place to live, work, learn, and play is Clearly Kosciusko. Discover more hidden gems in our community by viewing our annual Kosciusko County Visitors Guide.
THE Kosciusko County Convention & Visitor BUREAU’S PURPOSE
The Kosciusko County Convention and Visitors Bureau is the official destination organization that promotes and assists in developing the visitor brand experience resulting in increased spending, economic growth, and quality of place.
The focus of the Bureau’s work is to drive more visitors to its county communities through an overall destination marketing communications support effort and a target market strategy approach. Efforts in destination marketing by the KCCVB have a county-wide impact.
The Bureau serves the community in destination marketing and community development as an active economic partner. The Bureau collaborates regionally and locally with several organizations to make Northeast Indiana, Kosciusko County, and its communities a place where people want to live, work, learn, and play.
There is a collective passion in all we do to share what Kosciusko County has to offer as a dynamic destination. Not only is this the passion of the Bureau, but that of the leaders throughout our communities and the region. We recognize our successes. We are acutely aware of where we want to grow. We continually put action behind getting there.
INN KEEPER’S TAX
The Inn Keeper’s Tax is a pass-through tax collected from overnight guests by the party renting accommodations in Kosciusko County. The party then submits the tax collected to the Kosciusko County Treasurer or the Indiana Department of Revenue. Kosciusko County is under the Indiana Code for “Uniform” County Innkeeper’s Tax rate of 5% as are most counties in Indiana. The Kosciusko County Innkeeper’s Tax is used to promote and/or encourage conventions, visitors, and tourism within the county.
Indiana Code on Inn Keeper’s Tax (IC -6 -9 -18).
Indiana Department of Revenue Inn Keeper’s Tax Department Notice
CONVENTION, RECREATION, AND VISITOR COMMISSION
The Kosciusko County Convention, Recreation, Visitor Commission (KCCRVC) is an appointed seven-member entity created by the Kosciusko County Commissioners. They are tasked with the oversight of the proper disbursement of the collected Inn Keeper’s Tax funds which are designated for promoting conventions, visitors, and tourism in Kosciusko County.
The KCCVB annually requests budget funding as the official visitor destination organization in Kosciusko County.
The Tourism Commission and the Kosciusko County Convention and Visitors Bureau work together as visitor economy partners dedicated to the greatest benefit to Kosciusko County.
Tourism Commission Members
Kathy Ray, President
Mark Skibowski, Vice President
John Hall, Treasurer
Doug Shoemaker, Member
Lyle Schrock, Member
Jessica Hartman, Member
Matt Metzger, Member
See Convention, Recreation, Visitor Commission’s website, and grant applications.