WARSAW — The third annual National Tourism Week Open House and Community Cookout is taking place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, May 10, at the Kosciusko County Convention and Visitors Bureau located at the visitor center on US 30.

According to Jill Boggs, Executive Director of KCCVB, tourism is alive and growing in Kosciusko County. “As destination marketers and managers, the CVB partners with over 300 businesses and organizations in the local tourism industry. Visitors have a vast selection of dynamic and memorable experiences,” said Boggs.

Kosciusko County’s travel markets are outdoor recreation and adventure travel; arts, cultural and heritage events travel; shopping and food travel; visiting friends and relatives; business and pass-thru travel; sports events; and group tours.

The open house, sponsored by Zimmer Biomet and NIPSCO, is a way to advocate for Kosciusko County’s tourism industry and to recognize the $162.2 million in visitor spending that packs an economic punch. Event partners are Warsaw Parks & Recreation Department and Advanced Disposal.

Community members are invited to attend the open house, tour the visitor center, and take advantage of free hot dogs and brats being grilled by tourism partner One Ten Craft Meatery. The event is rain or shine. Community representatives throughout the county will go on the radio to talk about their town events on WIOE 101.1 and WLQZ 93.9.

“A major component of successfully drawing visitors to Kosciusko County, is our residents. By building awareness of what the visitor bureau offers, learning about and experiencing the tourism assets, getting to know and supporting tourism partners, undoubtedly grows the economic benefit of new dollars earned through travel and tourism,” Boggs said.