Local Culture vs. International Expectations

Kyle Elyse Niederpruem, president of Kyle Communications, Inc. (and a former reporter for The Indianapolis Star), writes about her experiences hosting a group of journalists visiting Indy for the U.S. Grand Prix in an Indianapolis Business Journal perspective piece:

"When you see the city through a traveler's eyes, it can open your own. A test drive with a small group of international journalists visiting Indianapolis recently reveals why this city still has a very long way to go before it can claim itself to be a cultural destination point -- from the simple task of pouring a glass of wine correctly to sampling the night life (what there is of it)."

She concludes:

"What do journalists want when they visit this city?

"Local flavor, local culture. More choices also result in better stories that travel well. Yes, we have a lot to offer and we're up and coming. But until we can pour the wine correctly, I have my doubts."

The Ethnic Hoosier, always a contrarian, notes that it is "local flavor and local culture" to close restaurants early, not have much late-night entertainment downtown and be somewhat clueless about fine wine.

Perhaps Ms. Neiderpruem would have done better taking the visitors to some local favorites and not try to replicate the experiences they'd expect in Paris (or New York City, for that matter).