A convention and visitors bureau (CVB) is an organization charged with managing a specific geographic area as a visitor destination, thereby improving the local economy through increased visitor spending, creation of jobs and expansion of the local tax base.

The LaPorte County Convention and Visitors Bureau (LPCCVB) was created by state statute in 1979, and serves the entire County of LaPorte as a special purpose governmental unit. Funding is provided by a 5% Innkeepers Tax collected from guests staying at our accommodations.

In 2009, the LaPorte County Convention & Visitors Bureau was branded as Visit Michigan City LaPorte.

Mission Statement

Visit Michigan City LaPorte is the official destination marketing organization that represents the LaPorte County visitor industry and communities to create sustainable economic growth from tourism expenditures.

Goals:

• Increased economic impact through new visitor spending
• Reinforces destination brand equity
• Enhances visitor experiential offerings
• Invests in the agreed-to destination vision
• Creates or expands partnerships

Destination Vision

To become the premier year-round and highly accessible recreational destination centered on a unique mix of urban and rural community entertainment in the Midwest.

Visit Michigan City LaPorte Vision

Be the leading destination management partner within the Northern Indiana region by effectively developing and marketing the Michigan City LaPorte brand experiences and advocating tourism benefits to Stakeholders.

Brand Promise Statement

The Visit Michigan City LaPorte area is Chicago’s Northern Indiana relaxing escape, with beautiful coastal and lakeside scenic settings offering an easily accessible destination on converging Interstates 80/90 and 94. With its fun and exciting Blue Chip gaming, premium outlet shopping, special festivals and events as well as the nearby Indiana Dunes National Park, it offers an array of attractive recreational and cultural experiences for families and those seeking an easy weekend adventure. With Michigan City and LaPorte serving as its two major city service centers, this Lake Michigan beach destination provides extensive four seasons of activities.

Tourism’s Impact

Tourism is about much more than attracting visitors to LaPorte County. It’s about quality of life. It’s about economic development. It’s about jobs and the individuals and families who are sustained by those jobs. It is about the attractions and amenities that benefit our residents as much, if not more, than our visitors. Sustaining and growing the tourism industry is a task that Visit Michigan City LaPorte takes very seriously. And the results give us immense pride in knowing that the greater good has been served.

In 2021, Certec Inc. provided a detailed examination of the expenditure, employment, and tax impacts generated by LaPorte County’s tourism and travel industry and here are the findings:

• The tourism and travel industry contributed nearly $807.2 million to LaPorte County’s economy in 2021. Direct expenditures by tourists accounted for $604.1 million of this total – an annual increase of 3.6 percent since 2018.
• The tourism industry generated over $220.2 million in tax revenues to government – $87.2 million to the state, $45.2 million locally, and $87.7 million to the federal government. Tax revenue in 2018 was $204.5 million.
• A total of 6,731 jobs in the county resulted from tourism in 2021. Direct expenditures created 5,141 of these jobs.
• Over one-third of the jobs created were in high wage occupations.
• The tourism-generated jobs provided $138.8 million in wages to LaPorte County workers compared to $125.8 million in 2018.
• Residents of LaPorte County spent an additional $96.7 million with the local tourism industry. This direct spending created 1,115 jobs.
• Expenditures by category showed that, attractions, shopping, food and beverage purchases accounted for over eight out of every ten dollars spent. Without the Blue Chip contribution, the top three categories – shopping, food and beverage, and attractions – account for 78 percent of the dollars spent.
• Expenditures by industry sector reflected the importance of attractions and lodging to the local tourism industry. Over 60 percent of all direct spending was from attraction visitors and 23 percent from lodging guests. The local marinas are a key component of the attractions sector. They make a significant economic contribution to LaPorte County.

Community Report

See Visit Michigan City LaPorte’s 2021 Community Report as we continue to enhance our brand and promote LaPorte County as one of the top regional destinations.