The Indiana Office of Tourism Development awarded the city of La Porte and the South Bend Chocolate Company a total of $470,000 in Destination Development Grants.

“Indiana’s tourism industry continually grows year after year, and that can be accredited to companies and destinations constantly reviving their efforts to attract visitors,” Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch, who chairs the council, said. “By receiving a public boost, we are investing in the economic driver behind tourism in the state.”

The South Bend Chocolate Company received $250,000 matching funds for its new attraction. The company is building a new factory with a chocolate experience area, a dinosaur museum, visitor's center and gift shop. The plans include multiple hotels, a restaurant and winery as well, according to the state.

LaPorte was awarded $220,000 to complete the $830,000 Dunes Event Center, which aims to be a destination for large scale indoor sports tournaments, recreational sports camps and club sports, according to the state.

“We are very excited for South Bend and LaPorte. These additions will add to the current tourism assets of the respective areas,” said Misty Weisensteiner, director of IOTD. “The focus, investment and partnership of their communities speak volumes, clearly demonstrating the importance of tourism and for continued economic growth both locally and for the state.”