The message from the IDDC is that starting today — Monday September 25 — the culture passport’s site and app will undergo a background overhaul.
The Indiana Destination Development Corporation is relaunching its Culture Passport phone app. This links road trippers to various cultural attractions, and even gives them gifts to do so.
IDDC Secretary and CEO Elaine Bedel said this will impact all 3,500 of the current app's users.
“So we really need all of those 3,500 people who have been on the passport to kind of re-sign, and they'll get a message to do that. But when they're signed up, they'll see the new opportunities that are on the passport as well.”
The free app is downloaded from the website. The app acts like a game, because it awards points to travelers who visit destinations which can lead to some fun gifts.
Unfortunately anyone who had points will lose them with the new app.
There are technically 177 listed destinations, linked by GPS on the app including museums galleries and music venues.
With this recent relaunch, some spots have traded for others.
There are six locally — including the Evansville Museum of Arts History and Science, Angel Mounds State Historic Site, Victory Theatre and The Gibson County Barn Quilt Trail in Princeton.
Bedel said the 3,500 current users include both Hoosiers and out of state travelers, who can learn about the fun nearby spots through the app.
“So it's really a way to educate our own residents, as well as those visiting from out of state on what Indiana has to offer. We've got a quality of life here that I don't know that many people are aware of outside of the state of Indiana.”
The app is sponsored by Minnetrista Museum and Gardens in Muncie, Indiana. There are also separate passport apps for culinary, golf, college students and nature.
The job of the IDDC is to attract visitors, businesses and also retain Hoosier talent within the state. “So it's retaining our graduates, attracting visitors and attracting talent,” Bedel said.
Support independent journalism today. You rely on WNIN to stay informed, and we depend on you to make our work possible. Give to grow our local reporting today. Donate now.