Local Business Investment Spurs Growth in Spencer County Tourism in 2012

As a new year begins, the Spencer County Visitors Bureau is pleased to report that investment by local businesses helped pave the way for a successful tourism season. More lodging choices, a new water coaster, some additions and improvements in historical attractions, and a new marketing promotion helped make 2012 one of the most successful years for attracting visitors to the county.

“2012 was a great year of growth and it’s wonderful to see local tourism continue to expand and improve,” says Melissa Brockman, executive director of the Spencer County Visitors Bureau. “The investment made by local tourism businesses is helping Spencer County become even more popular as a family destination.”

Highlights of the past year include:

•    A new lodging facility, NorthStar Vacation Rentals, opened in Santa Claus;
•    Two new tourism businesses opened: Pepper’s Ridge Winery near Rockport and Jingle Bell Rock Family Sports Pub in Santa Claus;
•    Six additional “Rudolph’s Christmas Cabins” and 67 new golf carts were added at Lake Rudolph Campground & RV Resort;
•    Two new cottages and an outdoor pool with a splash pad were added at Santa’s Cottages;
•    Mammoth, the world’s largest water coaster, was added at Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari along with two new special events: Happy Halloween Weekends and Rock the World Christian Music Festival;
•    A new playground was added to the cabin campground area inside Lincoln State Park;
•    The Santa Claus Museum & Village completed the restoration and re-opening of the original Santa Claus Post Office, preserved and opened the historic Santa Claus Church for visitors, and hosted several new special events that were free to the public;
•    A new floating laminate floor was installed at Lincoln Pioneer Village & Museum in Rockport;
•    Saint Meinrad Archabbey renovated spaces in St. Bede Hall and Newman Hall, including two large classrooms/conference rooms, 37 guest rooms, and lounge areas;
•    Santa’s Stables added a new horse barn and improved trails;
•    Lincoln Amphitheatre premiered a new signature musical about Lincoln’s Indiana boyhood years, “A. Lincoln: A Pioneer Tale”;
•    The Santa Claus Christmas Store expanded to nearly triple in size for 2012. Two embroidery machines were added to personalize stockings and tree skirts; and
•    A new seasonal campaign was launched by the Visitors Bureau. Fall-O-Weekends promoted weekend packages in September and October, resulting in more than 100 overnight visits booked.
The Visitors Bureau encourages guests to stay overnight and visit county attractions, shops, and restaurants.

For more information about Spencer County as a year-round destination, call (888) 444-9252 or visit www.SantaClausInd.org and www.IndianasAbeLincoln.org.

Also, find Santa Claus, Indiana, and Lincoln’s Indiana Boyhood Home on the Visitor Bureau’s free app for iPhones and Androids by searching “Holiday World & More!” and on any mobile device at http://m.SantaClausInd.org and http://m.IndianasAbeLincoln.org.