The Hoosier Hospitality Promise, a public health initiative in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, has released data surrounding the number of businesses that have made The Promise throughout the state of Indiana. The Hoosier Hospitality Promise is a joint effort by Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, Indiana Destination Development Corporation (IDDC), Indiana Restaurant and Lodging Association (InRLA), and Indiana Tourism Association (ITA) that launched in early July. Since the Hoosier Hospitality Promise launch, Indiana has seen almost 400 businesses make The Promise to ensure the safety of employees and consumers.
“We are extremely pleased to see the results from the Hoosier Hospitality Promise and to know that so many businesses have made this important pledge,” said Elaine Bedel, Secretary, and CEO of IDDC. “These resources and tools for local businesses are proving to be invaluable as we continue to work towards a safe reopening for all Hoosiers.”
In Spencer County, 11 businesses have already made the Hoosier Hospitality Promise, meaning that federal, state, and local health and safety guidelines were put in place and are being fully executed by key organizations and attractions within Spencer County in order to help the entire state get Back on Track.
“Safety is a top priority in welcoming visitors to Spencer County,” said Melissa Arnold, Spencer County Visitors Bureau Executive Director. “The Hoosier Hospitality Promise is a great way for businesses to demonstrate their commitment to keeping guests and employees as safe as possible.”
Businesses and consumers can still make The Promise by visiting HoosierHospitalityPromise.com. By making the Hoosier Hospitality Promise, businesses ensure they are:
• Following guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• Following guidelines for their specific sectors
• Practicing social distancing and wearing face coverings
• Regularly cleaning and sanitizing common areas based on CDC recommendations
• Staying home, if sick
• Displaying the Hoosier Hospitality Promise on their entrances.
When consumers make the promise, they commit to making Indiana healthier by following guidelines set by the CDC, practicing social distancing, wearing face coverings, and not going out if sick. In return, consumers receive a digital Promise Pass, giving them access to exclusive discounts at select participating businesses.
“It’s wonderful to see so many local businesses making the promise to better serve Indiana citizens and to keep them safe,” said Patrick Tamm, President of INRLA. “These impact numbers demonstrate that Indiana and the state’s restaurants, hotels, and tourist attractions are putting in the necessary time and effort to keep their guests as safe as possible from COVID-19.”
About Hoosier Hospitality Promise
The Hoosier Hospitality Promise is a public health initiative that empowers guests and businesses to help keep everyone safe from COVID-19. This initiative is a joint effort created by the Indiana Destination Development Corporation, the Indiana Restaurant & Lodging Association, and the Indiana Tourism Association. Businesses that make the promise agree to follow federal, state, and local health and safety guidelines for proper reopening during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participating businesses include hotels and lodging, restaurants and bars, attractions and outdoor recreation, shops, and more.
About Indiana Destination Development Corporation (IDDC)
House Enrolled Act 1115 established the Indiana Destination Development Corporation (IDDC), absorbing the Indiana Office of Tourism Development (IOTD). The goal is to position Indiana as the best place to live and visit. IDDC operates as a joint public-private agency, governed by a seven-member board composed of the governor. Governor Eric Holcomb will appoint the Lt. Governor as his designee, the president of the IEDC or its designee, and five members appointed by the governor from the private sector tourism industry. Governor Holcomb appointed Elaine Bedel as Secretary & CEO of IDDC on November 11th, 2019.
About Indiana Restaurant and Lodging Association (InRLA)
The Indiana Restaurant and Lodging Association represents more than 1,600 hotel and restaurant properties as well as industry-related service companies. It is these members that help make the hospitality industry the nation’s largest private sector employer and one of the state’s most politically active and public service-oriented industries. Our members are the cornerstone of the Indiana community and the backbone of our state’s economy. InRLA strives to provide superior value and effective communication for our membership by being the voice of the foodservice industry in government and public relations, providing programs offering operational benefits, and creating opportunities for member involvement.
About Spencer County Visitors Bureau, Inc.
The Spencer County Visitors Bureau encourages guests to stay overnight and provides a variety of resources about local attractions, shops, and restaurants.
For more information about Spencer County as a destination, call (888) 444-9252 or visit SantaClausInd.org and IndianasAbeLincoln.org.
The Spencer County Tourism Commission was established in 1994 under the Indiana Uniform County Innkeepers Tax Code. The commission markets the county’s attractions to visitors, using the proceeds collected by the county innkeepers tax, which is currently five percent. The mission of the Spencer County Tourism Commission is to increase overnight visitation to Spencer County’s lodging facilities by advertising and publicizing its natural, historical, and man-made attractions as a family destination.
