Tourism Product Development
How do we continue to innovate, develop, and deliver major infrastructure, large-scale projects, events/festivals, and tourism operations/services that deliver a high-quality and cultural experience for residents and visitors, including the necessary support to realize these visions?
ACTIVE
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Goal: Transform Fort Wayne/Allen County into a globally recognized premier accessible destination.
Points of Progress
- Building a Destination Accessible Taskforce and offering applications for the community to submit interest. More information and application coming soon.
May 2024
- Researching potential organizations and providers who have capabilities in leading a community-wide assessment that assesses current infrastructure/policies/services, identifies areas of improvement, and builds an action plan for improving accessibility and universal design in Fort Wayne/Allen County.
- Organizing meetings with the Fort Wayne/Allen County Disability Advisory Council and the Northeast Indiana Disability Advocacy Coalition to learn about missions and focus and discuss where the Tourism Master Plan can advocate and help move forward Fort Wayne and Allen County’s accessibility – fill any gaps related to the visitor economy.
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Goal: By 2030, Fort Wayne aims to become recognized for its music economy in the United States, known for its vibrant and diverse music scene, exceptional music infrastructure, and support for local talent.
Points of Progress
- Fundraising for a Music Economy assessment and strategy consultant.
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Goal: Continue to see this plan through as a road map to developing places.
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Goal: Position Fort Wayne / Allen County as a leading destination for travel and tourism by addressing the current hospitality industry labor shortage and establishing a robust, highly skilled workforce that delivers exceptional experiences to visitors and residents.
FUTURE
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Goal: Attract a prominent family resort or attraction product to Allen County, Indiana, to continue to establish Fort Wayne / Allen County as a premier destination for family vacations
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Goal: Create a dynamic and vibrant nightlife destination in Fort Wayne / Allen County that attracts both residents and visitors, offering a diverse and accessible range of entertainment options, fostering a thriving local arts and music scene, and promoting a safe and inclusive environment.
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Goal: Transform Fort Wayne / Allen County into a premier accessible winter destination by creating engaging and memorable winter experiences for residents and visitors.
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Goal: Support and recognize the need for expanding transportation (public and private) opportunities and access across our community for the benefit of residents and service for visitors, including transportation options to Fort Wayne International Airport (FWA), by supporting local, state, and federal legislative enhancements and funding initiatives for transportation.