LAFAYETTE-WEST LAFAYETTE (February 2025) – A recent study released by the Indiana Destination Development Corporation (IDDC) reveals significant growth in travel, tourism, and hospitality for Tippecanoe County. According to the findings, visitors spent $626.6 million on goods and services within the state, generating $353.1 million in net new economic value for the county.
The study also highlights the impact of tourism-related employment, with 8,397 jobs supported by visitor spending, including 6,840 direct jobs, contributing $207.5 million in total wages.
In 2023, tax revenue from travel, tourism, and hospitality reached $42.3 million in Tippecanoe County, with $68.6 million generated in state and local taxes. Tippecanoe County ranked 7th out of Indiana's 92 counties for total visitor spending and saw an 11.0% increase in tourism expenditures, placing it 9th statewide in growth rankings.
"Understanding our tourism impact is essential for Visit Lafayette – West Lafayette (VLWL) as we assess our economic footprint, track visitor spending trends, and measure tourism’s role in job creation for Tippecanoe County," said Jo Wade, President of VLWL. "In 2023 alone, every household in Tippecanoe County saved an estimated $922 per year in taxes due to the economic benefits generated by tourism."
This study was commissioned by IDDC and conducted by Rockport Analytics, an independent market research and consulting firm. It utilized data from multiple sources, including Longwoods International, Reach Market Planning, and the U.S. Commerce Department's National Travel & Tourism Office, and was cross-referenced with data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Indiana Department of Revenue, and Smith Travel Research.
