Climate change report projects significant changes for Indiana tourism

Story by Brian Wallheimer

November 6, 2018

Indiana’s thriving tourism and recreation industries rely on the state’s climate. Businesses will have to plan ahead for a warming climate that will change the types of activities Indiana can offer, as well as when visitors might be able to enjoy them.

The Indiana Climate Change Impacts Assessment team, based at Purdue University, will share specifics on these challenges when it releases “Tourism and Recreation in a Warmer Indiana” during a community briefing at 10 a.m. CST, Monday (Nov. 12), at the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center, 1215 IN-49, Porter, Indiana. The event is open to the public.

Besides Indiana residents who spend money at tourist and recreation businesses in the state, in 2016 the state had 79 million out-of-state tourists who added $12.2 billion to the economy. Tourism supports more than 240,000 jobs across the state.

“A lot of our recreation happens outdoors, out in the elements. Any change in climate is going to change our experience,” said Jeff Dukes, director of the Purdue Climate Change Research Center.

Purdue, Purdue University Northwest and Indiana University-Northwest researchers contributed to the report. The lead author is Jonathon Day, Purdue associate professor of hospitality and tourism management.

The Indiana Climate Change Impacts Assessment (IN CCIA) has compiled the latest scientific research into a series of easily understandable reports about climate change impacts in ten topic areas: climate, health, forest ecosystems, aquatic ecosystems, urban green infrastructure, tourism and recreation, agriculture, water resources, energy and infrastructure.

The reports that have been previously released are available on the IN CCIA website at http://IndianaClimate.org. For more information about the IN CCIA, go to the website or follow on social media at @PurdueCCRC, #ClimateChange, #INCCIA.

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