The cancellation of conventions, conferences and trade shows due to the coronavirus pandemic has had a devastating impact on tourism in Indianapolis, a tourism official said.

Tourism officials who work to bring sporting events and conventions to Indiana's capital are cutting executive pay for the rest of the year to cope with heavy financial losses expected from the coronavirus pandemic.

Fewer people are traveling due to restrictions and concerns over the spread of the coronavirus. Tourism officials in the state say theyre watching the situation closely.

From the WFYI Arts and Culture desk, Jill Ditmire talks with Indianapolis writer Ashley Petry about her latest book, Secret Indy: A guide to the weird, wonderful and obscure.

The Gothic-style City Methodist Church was built in the 1920s and closed in 1975. Gary officials aim to transform it into a European-style ruins garden and tourist attraction.

So far this year, the parks visitor center saw more people than it has in any of the past eight years and the year isnt over. June and July visitor numbers alone have doubled since last year.

The report, one in a series from the Purdue Climate Change Research Center, predicts intense rainfall, increased flooding, and reduced snowfall throughout the 21st century.

Last year's 50th anniversary was a sell-out, but Gen Con President David Hoppe says the conference continues to grow this year.

Tourism officials in Brown and Monroe Counties are urging the state to cut back on timber harvests in the back country area of Yellowwood State Forest because of the potential negative impact on tourism.

Gen Con is one of the largest U.S. gamers conventions, with more than 200,000 tickets sold for the multi-day event each year.