State report suggests tourism has increasing economic impact

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - A report commissioned by state officials suggests tourism has a growing impact on Indiana's economy.

The Indiana Office of Tourism Development released the findings Monday. It says travel, tourism and hospitality generated $2.9 billion in taxes in 2016.

During that same period of time the number of visitors also increased by 1.7 percent.

The report defined "tourism" as an overnight stay or a trip greater than 50 miles each way that is not part of an individual's normal routine.

Indiana's convention business took an estimated $60 million hit in 2015 after a religious objections law was signed by former Gov. Mike Pence, now the vice president.

A "fix" was later approved after some threatened to boycott the state over the law, which critics say sanctioned discrimination against gay people.