(Wayne County, IN)--During Monday night’s Common Council discussion of park bonds and the food and beverage tax, Mary Walker, who is the Director of the Wayne County Convention and Tourism Bureau, revealed that she had just received new numbers from the state regarding the financial impact that visitors make to the local economy.  "In 2024, Richmond/Wayne County annual spending by visitors totalled $185.5 million, representing and 8.4% increase," Walker said.  They define a visitor as someone who lives at least 50 miles away.  40% of all visitor dollars spent in Wayne County are spent on food and beverage.