e-Traveler - Co-op Remnant Space Available + More
May 28, 2025
Remnant Space Available in Co-op Program
Confirmations for successfully secured FY26 co-op placements were sent to all partners last week. There are some remnant opportunities still available. Email Jessica O'Riley (jessica.oriley@iowaeda.com) if you are interested in reserving any of the following. These will remain available until sold or the month passes, whichever comes first. There are no restrictions on the number of opportunities you may purchase, even if you’ve already reserved space in one of the options below.
Travel Iowa partnered with Choose Iowa to launch the Choose Iowa Passport on May 15. This digital pass is designed to help Iowans and visitors find agritourism experiences such as farm tours, you-pick opportunities, farm-to-table dining experiences, farmers' markets and locally sourced Iowa products.
The Iowa State Parks Passport will be relaunching on June 1 and run through October. It will operate with the same system of offering check-in points based on a park's popularity, with "hidden gem" parks earning more points to encourage more exploration.
In honor of Iowa Beer Month in June, the Iowa Beer Passport will be offering 50 extra points per check-in for the entire month.
Travel Iowa Build a Trip Tool Updates
Our Build a Trip tool recently underwent a major upgrade. The new version operates the same, but offers a more user-friendly experience by featuring a list of attractions along the route in a left-hand toolbar. This makes it easier to filter attractions by interest and select locations to build the perfect Iowa getaway. Users can also name their road trips and email it to multiple email addresses.
This is a valuable tool for Travel Iowa, our partners and travelers alike. A reminder that the tool can only source listings on our website, so now's a great time to add your attractions and update your information. It is FREE to do so.
Use Pinterest Trends to Plan Summer Content
Pinterest Trends uses real-time search data to show what’s trending and when people start looking for key topics. Leverage these insights to uncover popular content, plan strategic posts and craft summer-ready ideas that connect with your audience.
Here are a few trending searches that spiked in popularity recently:
Iowa Tourism Office Visits Fort Dodge
Tourism Liaison Stephanie Neppl was invited by Visit Fort Dodge to share information as part of their “Visitor Vision” series. The presentation was attended by 20 Fort Dodge/Webster County tourism partners.
Executive Director Kerrie Kuiper said, “It is always 'bucket filling' when we get to show our community to someone who understands what we are doing and appreciates the assets we have.”
A reminder that the Iowa Tourism Office team is available to speak at industry conferences, meeting and events. To request someone from our team to present at your event, please complete the form here.
Helpful Tools to Organize Grant Opportunities
Never assume you can get a grant because you have in the past. Most people have heard of the popular book "Who moved my cheese?," but the ability to adapt to change in the grant world is just as imperative as in any other aspect of life. Always review grant guidelines and focus areas before you apply or you might find that the money has moved.
Featured Grant:
You may be familiar with Iowa’s Historical Resource Development Program (HRDP), which was due on May 1 this year. But if you have a historic building owner who walks in begging for your help after that, don’t immediately turn them away. Iowa has an HRDP Emergency Grant, which is available for up to $15,000 beginning July 1 until the funds are gone. (Pay close attention to restrictions related to length of ownership, neglect and other factors.)
Here are the most important updates this week:
- Remnant space is still available in the Co-op Marketing Program.
- Learn about Iowa Passport launches and promotions.
- Use Pinterest Trends to track popular searches and plan your content.
Remnant Space Available in Co-op Program
Confirmations for successfully secured FY26 co-op placements were sent to all partners last week. There are some remnant opportunities still available. Email Jessica O'Riley (jessica.oriley@iowaeda.com) if you are interested in reserving any of the following. These will remain available until sold or the month passes, whichever comes first. There are no restrictions on the number of opportunities you may purchase, even if you’ve already reserved space in one of the options below.
- Consumer Email Featured Event - $300 (Aug. 2025)
- Consumer Email Featured Lodging - $300 (Sep. 2025, Oct. 2025)
- Consumer Email Sponsored Content - $750 (Nov. 2025)
- Social media - $500: Nov 2025 (1); Dec. 2025 (2); Jan. 2026 (2); Feb. 2026 (3); March 2026 (1); May 2026 (1)
- Sponsored Website Content - $2,500 (Oct. 2025, Dec. 2025, Feb. 2026)
Travel Iowa partnered with Choose Iowa to launch the Choose Iowa Passport on May 15. This digital pass is designed to help Iowans and visitors find agritourism experiences such as farm tours, you-pick opportunities, farm-to-table dining experiences, farmers' markets and locally sourced Iowa products.
The Iowa State Parks Passport will be relaunching on June 1 and run through October. It will operate with the same system of offering check-in points based on a park's popularity, with "hidden gem" parks earning more points to encourage more exploration.
In honor of Iowa Beer Month in June, the Iowa Beer Passport will be offering 50 extra points per check-in for the entire month.
Travel Iowa Build a Trip Tool Updates
Our Build a Trip tool recently underwent a major upgrade. The new version operates the same, but offers a more user-friendly experience by featuring a list of attractions along the route in a left-hand toolbar. This makes it easier to filter attractions by interest and select locations to build the perfect Iowa getaway. Users can also name their road trips and email it to multiple email addresses.
This is a valuable tool for Travel Iowa, our partners and travelers alike. A reminder that the tool can only source listings on our website, so now's a great time to add your attractions and update your information. It is FREE to do so.
Use Pinterest Trends to Plan Summer Content
Pinterest Trends uses real-time search data to show what’s trending and when people start looking for key topics. Leverage these insights to uncover popular content, plan strategic posts and craft summer-ready ideas that connect with your audience.
Here are a few trending searches that spiked in popularity recently:
Iowa Tourism Office Visits Fort Dodge
Tourism Liaison Stephanie Neppl was invited by Visit Fort Dodge to share information as part of their “Visitor Vision” series. The presentation was attended by 20 Fort Dodge/Webster County tourism partners.
Executive Director Kerrie Kuiper said, “It is always 'bucket filling' when we get to show our community to someone who understands what we are doing and appreciates the assets we have.”
A reminder that the Iowa Tourism Office team is available to speak at industry conferences, meeting and events. To request someone from our team to present at your event, please complete the form here.
Helpful Tools to Organize Grant Opportunities
Never assume you can get a grant because you have in the past. Most people have heard of the popular book "Who moved my cheese?," but the ability to adapt to change in the grant world is just as imperative as in any other aspect of life. Always review grant guidelines and focus areas before you apply or you might find that the money has moved.
Featured Grant:
You may be familiar with Iowa’s Historical Resource Development Program (HRDP), which was due on May 1 this year. But if you have a historic building owner who walks in begging for your help after that, don’t immediately turn them away. Iowa has an HRDP Emergency Grant, which is available for up to $15,000 beginning July 1 until the funds are gone. (Pay close attention to restrictions related to length of ownership, neglect and other factors.)
- July 10, 2025 – Reimagining Iowa’s Group Tour Strategy Webinar, virtual
- July 17, 2025 – Maximizing Iowa’s Meetings & Conventions Potential Webinar, virtual
- July 24, 2025 – Iowa Tourism Office Update Webinar, virtual