FAQs
WHAT IS A CVA?
CVA is an acronym for convention and visitors authority. CVAs are destination management organizations. Most CVAs, South Shore CVA included, are not-for-profit organizations that work under a governing body to promote visitor and business travel through sales and marketing initiatives.
WHAT DOES THE SSCVA DO?
The South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority leads the hospitality industry and markets the South Shore as a centrally located, reasonably priced destination for business and leisure travelers. The South Shore CVA draws conventions, meetings, sporting events and group tours from around the nation.
WHY DID THE SSCVA CHANGE THEIR NAME?
The SSCVA changed their business name in 2008 from the Lake County Convention and Visitors Bureau to the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority because they believe the visitor does not see county lines. The SSCVA's partners extend from Chicago to New Buffalo, Michigan. Our team works with, markets and promotes hotels, restaurants, businesses and attractions all along the South Shore.
HOW MANY HOSPITALITY EMPLOYEES ARE EMPLOYED IN LAKE COUNTY?
There are more than 14,000 jobs (in FTEs [full time equivalents]) in Lake County due to the expenditures made in the tourism and travel industry. This number represented seven percent of all jobs in the county in 2010.
WHY IS THE SSCVA IMPORTANT TO VISITORS?
The SSCVA provides valuable information about the South Shore including area attractions, restaurants and accommodation options. Our CVA provides regional information about the area between Chicago and New Buffalo, Michigan at no cost to the visitor. The CVA also hosts several events including the South Shore Air Show, A Christmas Story Comes Home, Explore the Shore and R.O.S.E. Awards.
WHAT IS THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF TOURISM ON LAKE COUNTY?
Millions of visitors descend on Lake County each year, filling hotel rooms throughout Merrillville, Hammond and beyond, visiting attractions, dining in restaurants and purchasing merchandise. These visitors spend money on goods and services such as lodging, food and beverages, gasoline, souvenirs, admission fees, entertainment and other retail goods, all of these expenditures create a $1.62 billion dollar impact on the local economy. According to the economic impact study conducted by Certec, Inc., the tourism and travel industry made a total contribution of $1.62 billion to the Lake County economy in 2010; this is compared to a $1.34 billion impact in 2001.
DO MY PROPERTY AND SALES TAXES PAY FOR THE CONVENTION AND VISITORS AUTHORITY?
No. The SSCVA is funded by casino admission revenue and a hotel/motel tax. Not one penny of property taxes pay for the SSCVA.
HOW MUCH MONEY DO RESIDENTS OF LAKE COUNTY SAVE ON THEIR TAXES BECAUSE OF TOURISM?
Lake County residents save nearly $980 on their taxes annually (including federal, state and local savings) because of tourism.
WHAT IS A FOOD AND BEVERAGE TAX?
A food and beverage tax is a tax on any prepared food or beverages (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) served at restaurants, bars and festivals.
HOW IS A FOOD AND BEVERAGE TAX USED?
Traditionally in Indiana, hospitality facilities (brick and mortar projects) are funded by a food and beverage tax. Examples include Allen County's Coliseum and Marion County's Convention Center.
Book Your Stay
Northwest Indiana’s very own candy factory boasts the world’s best gummies! Tour the factory and experience your favorites being made, see the world’s tallest chocolate waterfall and sample some of the best candies around!…more
What began as a local newspaper’s effort to tell the compelling stories of Northwest Indiana men and women who sacrificed during the Civil War has evolved into a large-scale historical preservation effort. The joint partnership of the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority and the Calumet Region Civil War Preservation Project seeks to carry forward on hundreds of hours of community service that already have taken place. …more
Conveniently located between Chicago and Indianapolis, Fair Oaks Farms offers a fun family playground that everyone will enjoy! From the Dairy Adventure and Birthday Barn, to the Cheese Factory and Mooville, Fair Oaks Farms will keep the family entertained, and well-fed, for a full day of education and fun!…more
When a guest visits a hotel, restaurant, bank, or gas station, they rarely meet the manager or owner of the establishment. It's up to the front-line employee to make the customer's visit enjoyable.The R.O.S.E. Awards were created to recognize these "directors of first impression" who consistently work hard to make our lives easier. Guests & managers are able to nominate an employee who consistently "goes the extra mile."…more
Heavy industry carried the South Shore economy for decades. Now, the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority tells a story about a community: it’s been built by steel but changing from tourism. Northwest Indiana’s appeal is its devotion to ensure new & already existing businesses succeed. Area leaders have teamed together to revitalize the mill towns and make Northwest Indiana the place people want to live & work. …more
Experience the journey of the Passion of Christ as never before in this interactive trail featuring 40 life-sized bronze statues. Experience the various Stations of the Cross with audio descriptions as you walk the winding pathway.…more
With five different casinos, Northwest Indiana offers much excitement and action along the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan! With decadent restaurants, world class entertainment and floors (and floors) of slots and table games, your night is just getting started when you test your luck at one of our casinos.…more
Pierogi Fest, the pride of Whiting, is an opportunity for the residents to celebrate their heritage while poking a little fun at themselves at the same time. The one of a kind parade and festival have received countrywide recognition having been featured on the Food Network and the Travel Channel.…more
This holiday season, The Indiana Welcome Center in Hammond will feature 6 animated displays featuring scenes from "A Christmas Story". The displays include: Higbee’s Department Store Window, Flick’s Tongue and the Triple Dog Dare, It’s a Major Award, Santa’s Mountain at Higbee’s, the Bumpus Hounds, and the Parker Living Room. The displays were first showcased in 2003 in the windows of the Herald Square Macy’s in New York City. …more
