The Pike County Chamber of Commerce is highlighting significant progress made over the past several years in building a foundation for tourism growth and long-term economic development across the county.
What began with Pike County ranking 92nd in Indiana for tourism revenue has since developed into a coordinated effort to establish a sustainable tourism strategy, strengthen community pride, and create the infrastructure needed to support future visitor growth.
Early in the process, the county lacked key components of a tourism system, including an innkeepers tax, tourism commission, destination marketing organization, and a formal development plan. Local leaders instead focused on leveraging existing community assets while building knowledge and partnerships within the tourism industry.
The Chamber engaged with tourism professionals statewide by participating in organizations such as the Indiana Tourism Association, joining regional networks, and attending conferences and training programs. Data from the Indiana Destination Development Corporation helped identify gaps in Pike County’s tourism structure and reinforced the need for investment and planning.
To build local support and strengthen community identity, the Chamber launched the Powered by Pike initiative, aimed at fostering pride and engagement during a period of economic transition.
Tourism funding has steadily increased over the past three years, growing from $1,200 in 2023 to $15,000 in 2026, along with additional support from private partners and local sponsorships.
A major milestone came in November 2025 when county officials unanimously approved a 5% innkeepers tax ordinance and established a Tourism Commission. The tax, which applies to overnight stays in hotels, bed and breakfasts, and short-term rentals, went into effect on March 1, 2026. It creates a dedicated funding source for tourism promotion, destination development, and visitor-related experiences, while not impacting local residents unless they utilize lodging accommodations. Camping sites are not subject to the tax.
Most recently, Pike County partnered with Ball State University’s Indiana Communities Institute to develop a comprehensive tourism strategic plan. The plan focuses on identifying local assets, setting priorities, and creating long-term implementation strategies to guide future growth.
Local leaders emphasize that the effort extends beyond marketing, focusing instead on building a structured system of funding, governance, and partnerships to support sustainable economic development.
The Pike County Chamber of Commerce plans to continue working with community partners, local government, and residents as efforts move forward to strengthen tourism and improve the county’s economic standing.
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