The down economy hasn't affected tourism at a popular southern Indiana amusement park. Holiday World & Splashin' Safari President and Chief Executive Officer Will Koch believes the increase has been triggered by families staying closer to home for entertainment and vacation during the recession. He does say there has a drop in the number of company events at the park. Koch adds the park is also preparing for a major announcement later this week.

The new project will be a $5.5 million investment.

Pilgrim's Plunge opened in the spring. Koch believes the world's tallest water ride made a big difference in drawing crowds to the park.

August 16 will be last day for daily operations at Holiday World. After that, the park will only be on open on the weekends through Labor Day. Koch notes Holiday World will be closed September 12 and 13, but after that it will stay on its weekend schedule through October 11.

Source: Inside INdiana Business http://www.insideindianabusiness.com/newsitem.asp?id=37108