INDIANA UNIVERSITY PURDUE UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS

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IUPUI STUDY EXAMINES TOURISTS' EXPECTATIONS OF INDY

INDIANAPOLIS - International visitors to Indianapolis feel that the city is a safe place to visit, according to a recent study conducted by students and faculty at IUPUI.

The study, which is the first to look at international visitors' perceptions of the city, compared how the city measured up to their expectations. Researchers from the Department of Tourism, Conventions and Event Management at IUPUI randomly interviewed more than 400 mostly international visitors during the World Police and Fire Games in June.

The visitors also gave high marks to Indianapolis for its friendliness, cleanliness, variety of restaurants and nightlife. The city ranked low, however, for transportation within the city, expense of accommodations, entertainment, and for having a variety of things to see and do.

"Indianapolis is trying to promote itself as a global destination for international auto racing events and also as a global destination for sports-related events and activities," said Sotiris Avgoustis, an IUPUI professor who helped lead the study. "Once we start attracting tourists from this international base of sports enthusiasts, we need to begin offering to them a wide variety of activities that will enhance their stay and their overall perception of the city. Word of mouth can make or break a destination in this specific target market. Satisfied visitors to the city will encourage others from their country of origin to visit Indianapolis in the future."

The results of the study will be presented at a workshop for hospitality professionals and others on October 25 from 8:30-10:30 a.m. in Room 1126 of the IUPUI University Library, 755 W. Michigan St. The work shop is free, but please call (317) 549-0055 or e-mail mcd@inetdirect.net by October 22 to register. The survey team will also offer recommendations to help the city maximize its strengths and minimize its weaknesses when dealing with international visitors.

The IUPUI Office of International Affairs, the Indiana Council for the Humanities, the Max Kade German/American Center and the Indianapolis-Cologne Sister City Partnership Committee funded the study.

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Editor's Note: A copy of the study is available upon request.

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