eTraveler: December 14, 2022
The E-Traveler is our bi-weekly industry communication email. Sign up to receive them.
2021 county level economic data now available
The interactive dashboard with county level data is now available as part of the 2021 Economic Impact Report.
In 2021, visitors spent over $6.1 billion across the Iowa economy. This direct visitor spending impact generated a total economic impact of $9.4 billion in Iowa, sustained nearly 65,000 jobs and generated $1.0 billion in state and local tax revenues in 2021.
LEARN MORE
2023 Iowa Tourism Conference registration open
The annual Iowa Tourism Conference is an essential networking and educational event for anyone who is focused on marketing efforts meant to elevate Iowa’s tourism destinations and attractions.
The marketing landscape is constantly changing and sessions at this conference will help you understand the most innovative and data-driven tactics happening in the tourism industry. Attendees will learn evolving best practices in tourism marketing, hear from industry leaders and marketing experts, and network with their peers – all with the goal to come away with actionable solutions, cutting-edge ideas, and invaluable new relationships.
Registration is $250 and the deadline to register is Monday, March 13.
LEARN MORE
Sign up for Localhood, a new FREE marketing tool
We’re excited to announce the availabilty of Localhood, a new tool that will allow you to create Instagram Reels/Facebook Stories in a consistent way. The Iowa Tourism Office is covering the cost of the tool and providing access at no charge to you.
Localhood enables you to create, publish and analyze web stories, which are like social media stories for the web. This content will then automatically appear in Google searches as visual stories, in Localhood galleries, or individually on your website and the Travel Iowa website. The platform also allows you to embed individual stories (example) or galleries on your website and share on social media.
Ready to get started?
Govenor Reynolds announces $13.97M in sixth round of Destination Iowa funding for quality of life and tourism
Governor Kim Reynolds and the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) announced $13.97 million in grant funding for the following projects through Destination Iowa.
- City of Davenport - $9.6 million
- City of Clear Lake - $4.37 million
The $100 million program, announced in April, invests in transformational attractions that will bolster the quality of life in Iowa communities and attract visitors and new residents.
IEDA began accepting applications on May 9 and will continue to review applications as they arrive through December 31 or until funding runs out. Applications are scored based on eligibility, completeness, and the project’s ability to meet the program goal of creating transformational tourism attractions. Cities, counties, nonprofits and other organizations can apply for Destination Iowa grants through four separate funds: Economically Significant Development, Outdoor Recreation, Tourism Attraction, and Creative Placemaking.
LEARN MORE
Iowa in the news
Here are some exciting media highlights featuring Iowa.
- The Corridor Business Journal celebrated Iowa City's naming as one of the top Gay Travel Awards destinations
- Food & Wine spotlighted Winterset's Winter Solstice Market as Iowa's selection for "The Best Holiday Market in Every State"
- Midwest Living featured Boone's Rail Explorers and other Iowa attractions as some of their "60 Thoughtful Midwest Experiences to Gift this Holiday Season"
Register for the 2023 Tourism Office webinar series
We encourage you to join us for the five Iowa Tourism Office Updates scheduled for 2023, on Thursdays at 2 p.m.
You will need to register in advance for each of these webinars. Find them all listed on the events calendar on the industry partners page.
Upcoming meetings/events
- January 17, 2023 at 5 p.m. - iTIP Legislative Night
- January 19, 2023 at 2 p.m. - Iowa Tourism Office Update (webinar)
- January 31, 2023 at 5 p.m. - Travel Federation of Iowa's Legislative Showcase
- March 22 & 23, 2023 - Iowa Tourism Conference at Prairie Meadows, Altoona
Check out the calendar of events for more details and upcoming meetings.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS