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Innkeepers tax revenue fell in 2025 but first-quarter 2026 shows rebound, tourism official tells council
Summary
The Wells County Convention & Visitor Commission reported $72,034.38 in lodging-tax collections for 2025 (a 16% decrease from 2024) and $16,452.24 for Q1 2026 (a 39% increase over Q1 2025); the commission plans conservative budgeting and marketing updates.
Audry Dudley, representing the Wells County Convention & Visitor Commission, briefed the council on lodging-tax revenue trends and marketing work.
Dudley reported total Innkeepers Tax collections of $72,034.38 for January–December 2025, a 16% decline from 2024. She also said first-quarter 2026 collections totaled $16,452.24, which she described as a 39% increase over the first quarter of 2025. Dudley said the commission is budgeting conservatively for 2026 in light of the 2025 decrease and is working on strategic marketing ideas, visitor resources and updated visitor maps. She noted attendance at the Indiana Tourism Association conference on March 16–18 and said the commission is pursuing ways to strengthen the county’s visitor economy through partnerships and promotion of local attractions.
The council received the update; no action items or funding decisions were recorded.
