Regional Tourism Development
How do we collaborate county-wide to attract economic development that delivers high-quality tourism assets and experiences to enhance the quality of life for residents, spreads visitor impact, and celebrates our community's unique personality and flavors?
ACTIVE
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Goal: Continue to position Fort Wayne International Airport (FWA) as the region’s first choice for air travel, retaining current air service routes while expanding available seats and flight frequency in the Fort Wayne / Allen County market.
Points of Progress
December 2025
- Fort Wayne International Airport welcomed Allegiant’s new route to Fort Lauderdale.
2025
- The Fort Wayne International Airport (FWA) continues to add flight capacity with additional frequencies with American and United to Chicago and the return of Delta’s Detroit route.
- Project Gateway construction continues, with the new restaurant, coffee shop, and market area opening as part of the East Terminal Expansion.
FUTURE
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Goal: Establish Fort Wayne / Allen County as a premier culinary, craft beverage, and wine destination that offers a diverse and exceptional experience for residents and visitors, showcasing the city's local flavors, innovation, and vibrant food and beverage culture.
Points of Progress
December 2025
- Led by local chefs, farmers, and providers, a group is working to build a Culinary Council to uplift and support the local food scene through advocacy, resources, and peer support.
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Goal: Develop and position Fort Wayne / Allen County as a premier tourism destination renowned for its unique and authentic collection of tourism assets, events, and festivals.
Points of Progress
- Through Allen County’s Bicentennial celebrations, 15 “I AM” Allen sculptures were placed throughout the county.
- The City of New Haven is partnering with Harvester Homecoming and Card and Associates to preserve Indiana’s manufacturing legacy with the Harvester Homecoming Museum at the planned Fields of Grace Complex.
- Leo-Cedarville unveiled a new holiday light display in Riverside Gardens, which Visit Fort Wayne marketed through its holiday lights campaigns.
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Goal: Establish Fort Wayne / Allen County as a premier Midwest destination for unique and authentic, universally accessible retail and commercial districts that enhance the quality of life for residents and create a memorable experience for visitors.
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Goal: Establish Fort Wayne / Allen County as a premier destination for inclusive outdoor enthusiasts by providing exceptional hiking, biking, and water trail experiences that promote health, well-being, and environmental stewardship.
Points of Progress
December 2025
- We celebrate the completion of the following trail developments -
- The Pufferbelly Trail “Golden Spike” section from Ice Way to Washington Center Road
- Hanna St Trail - Decatur to Burns
- Carroll Rd Trail – Bethel Rd to Millstone
- Carroll Rd Trail – SR 3 to w/o Shearwater Run
- Lincoln Hwy Trail – Green to Minnich Rd
- Anthony Blvd Streetscape/Trail – Pontiac St to Creighton Ave
July 2025
- We celebrate the completion of the following trails -
- Along Covington Road (Hadley Rd to Getz Rd)
- Cedar Creek Parks Trails (Halter Rd from Hursh to Hosler and Hosler Rd from Halter to Main St/SR 1)
2025
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Our trails continue to grow with a current total of 140 miles of connected trails, and the announcement of the Pufferbelly Trail Bridge connecting trails over Coliseum Blvd.
- We celebrate the completion of the following trail developments -