Indiana Dunes Tourism will be receiving up to 60 notable guests later this year who could draw national attention to the county’s tourist draws.

Tourism Executive Director Lorelei Weimer and Promotions Director Ken Kosky informed the Indiana Dunes Tourism board on Tuesday that the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) has picked Porter County to visit when it holds its annual convention in Indianapolis the first two weeks of September.

Weimer said up to 30 writers/journalists will flock to the area Sept. 7 to 9, the same time Valparaiso will be having its annual Popcorn Festival, and another 30 or so for Sept. 14 to 16 when Chesterton hosts its Wizard of Oz Festival.

The actual convention will run from Sept. 9 to 14 hosted by the Indianapolis Convention and Visitors Association and writers will be sent out on pre- and post-conference trips to six destinations in Indiana and Porter County was one of four locations that were selected for both weekends, Kosky said.

“We really sold them on how great the Indiana Dunes are and some of the other great attractions that we have,” he said.

A few attractions on the tentative itinerary also include Valparaiso University and area restaurants. The tourism bureau will provide transportation and lodging for the writers in exchange for the potential to have national exposure.

Weimer said the publications represented range from New York Times to Good Morning America.

“This is a really big opportunity for our destination and we’re just making sure we really put forward the red carpet,” she said. “It’s really priceless to be a part of this opportunity.”

The non-profit SATW includes 1,200 members, making it one of the largest journalist associations.

Weimer said this is a unique opportunity for Indiana Dunes Tourism since the previous three SATW conventions were held in countries overseas: New Zealand in 2011, Saxony, Germany in 2010 and Guadalajara, Mexico in 2009. She thanked the Indianapolis Convention and Visitors Association for their effort in attracting the writers.

Other state locations to be visited by SATW members include Amish Country in northern Indiana and Brown County State Park in Nashville.

In a similar matter, Niche Marketing Director Angela Pasyk announced AFLAC Insurance company has selected Indiana Dunes Country to be the site for their annual Family Day celebration on July 21. Over 200 agents are expected to attend with their families. Pasyk said the visitors will be spending time at local attractions such as the Dunes, Hoosier Bat, Zao Island and the 49er Drive-In.

Signs of an economic recovery are apparent in the figures reported from the innkeeper’s tax collections for 2011. Last year brought in $1,033,182 on a cash basis for the county tourism bureau, more than $100,000 or 15 percent higher compared to 2010.

The amount is getting closer to the level of collections seen before the economy went into recession in 2008, when innkeeper’s tax collections were close to $1.1 million per year.

Weimer said 2011 was “really a good year for us” considering the disappointing numbers seen in 2009 and 2010.

“As the economy is improving, so is travel,” she said, adding that more tourists are extending their stays in the county.

Board treasurer Judy Chaplin remarked many of the items in her report show their costs are under what has been allocated for them.

Innkeeper’s tax is used by the tourism bureau to promote destinations in Porter County. Hoteliers in the county collect a five percent tax on fees collected from lodgers to the county treasurer who then issues the taxes collected to the tourism commission.

The board is working on a more effective strategy of collecting the tax payments since there are currently four properties which are far behind, despite attempts to resolve the issues.

Weimer reported the bureau has earmarked $89,100 in innkeepers taxes for the four county visitor-related venues.

Porter County Parks and Recreation will receive $35,640 from the bureau in 2012 while the Expo Center, the Memorial Opera House and the Porter County Museum of History will get $17,820.

The new edition of the Porter County 2012 Activity Calendar has rolled off the printer, two months earlier than last year’s guide, and ready to be distributed to visitor sites around the county.

Pasyk headed up production on this year’s guide and the product was applauded by board member Scott Tuft. Tuft said publication is above par with what he usually sees from promoters and said he would distribute the calendars at Bass Pro Shop in Portage where he works as an associate.

“It’s first class. It looks really nice,” Tuft told Pasyk.

Weimer said her team has worked to get the word out about the Indiana DNR’s goal of using the historic Indiana Dunes State Park Pavilion as a possible restaurant and banquet center. One of the issues facing the project is the state’s ban of alcohol at Dunes State Park. She said the law would have to be amended to exempt the pavilion.

The DNR is currently seeking proposals until March 1 for a private/public agreement with interested businesses.

The 2012 officer appointments mirrored last year, with the exception of member Mike Mantai as board secretary.

Mitch Peters, who was reappointed by the county council, will serve as president for a second year, Michael Scott as vice-chairman, and Chaplin as treasurer.

The board welcomed new member Richard Riley who owns and operates Riley’s Railhouse in downtown Chesterton. Appointed by Northern County Commissioner John Evans, Riley replaces former board member Jeff Good.

Tuft was announced in early December as Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas’ appointment to the tourism seat formally held by Matt Murphy.

Hollenbeck will be retained as board attorney.

The board also decided it will begin meeting on the second Tuesday of the month, rather than the third, to avoid conflicts with the county commissioners’ meetings which take place at 2 p.m. on the third Tuesday.

Posted 1/18/2012