CVB tells council the visitor economy generates at least $823 million for Elkhart County

A representative of the Elkhart County Convention & Visitors Bureau briefed the Goshen City Council on June 22 about summer tourism activity and ongoing initiatives tied to the Quilt Gardens, Pumpkinvine Nature Trail and collaborative programs that promote immersive visitor experiences.

The presenter (recorded in the minutes as Jerry) said the visitor economy in Elkhart County “generates at least $823 million in economic impact every year” and accounts for about 7,000 jobs and roughly $170 million in wages. He highlighted Goshen locations for Quilt Gardens and thanked volunteers and local partners who plant and maintain the displays. The CVB representative also described multi-year strategic initiatives to expand signature experiences through 2028 and noted upcoming communications and promotional work.

Councilors thanked the CVB and noted seeing a tour bus downtown earlier that day as a practical example of the tourism activity the bureau described.