eTraveler: July 28, 2022
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New Travel Areas Receive Personalities
During last week's webinar, the Iowa Tourism Office announced new travel areas used to market the state. Based on feedback from travelers and industry comments during strategic planning, the new travel areas align more closely with traveler needs.
In September, five new travel areas will replace the existing 10 travel areas in marketing efforts, including traveliowa.com and the Iowa Travel Guides. Along with the new geographic boundaries, each area with have an icon and name to build the area’s personality. The new areas are:
- Lakes & Land (Northwest Iowa)
- Loess Hills & Beyond (Southwest Iowa)
- Capital Country (Central Iowa)
- Driftless Area (Northeast Iowa)
- Storied & Scenic (Southeast Iowa)
We are excited to roll out these new icons and personalities that provide an opportunity to showcase the variety and history of Iowa in a new, easy-to-understand way for travelers.
Learn MoreJuly 21 Tourism Office Webinar Recording Available
If you were unable to join us or want a refresher on the webinar from July 21, it is now live on the industry partners page. Topics covered included:
- New TravelIowa.com website preview
- How to log in and use your Travel Iowa account on the website
- A new process to update and add listings and events
- New listing removal guidelines
- How to order travel guides and maps in bulk
- Soul of Iowa marketing campaign results
The next webinar is scheduled for September 15, 2022 at 2 p.m.
Watching The Recording Add The Series To Your Calendar - iCalWANTED: New in ’23 Information for Virtual Media Event
For the last two years, we’ve held a virtual media event (an “unFAM,” if you will) with influencers and reporters to share details on new openings, exhibits and events. Following the success of those events, we’re doing it again for what’s new in 2023 – and that’s where you come in! If you have a new museum exhibit, a new attraction, a fabulous hotel, etc. opening in 2023, please let Jessica O'Riley (jessica.oriley@iowaeda.com) know by Friday, September 3 at 4 p.m.
There is no cost to participate in the unFAM, if you are selected. We only ask that you provide a giveaway item we can ship to the participants in advance. They’ll then “unbox” these surprises as they move through the hour-long showcase. This is an incredible opportunity to get in front of media and share your stories! Please contact Jessica with information or questions.
FY23 Iowa Tourism Grant (ITG) Application Opens August 24
The ITG program promotes tourism in Iowa by funding tourism-related marketing initiatives, meetings and events that benefit both local economies and the state's economy.
For the FY23 grant cycle, $300,000 is available and awards will range from $2,500 to $10,000 with a required 25 percent cash match.
The grant application link will be live at 10 a.m. on August 24 on the ITG webpage. The Iowa Tourism Office will accept applications until 4 p.m. on Wednesday, September 28.
If you have questions regarding the program, please email Katie Kenne at katie.kenne@iowaeda.com.
Partner Highlight: Paramount+ Documentary Drives Interest to Clear Lake
On July 19, Paramount+ released “The Day the Music Died: The Story of Don McLean’s ‘American Pie’” documentary, a film that heavily features Clear Lake. The Clear Lake Chamber, seeing the increased traffic to their website, quickly created a new “The Day the Music Died Tour” page that includes several Buddy Holly-related sites. Kudos to Clear Lake for watching their data and quickly providing film fanatics with additional information to help them plan a future trip.
IEDA Announces $4.65M in Second Round of Destination Iowa Funding for Quality of Life Tourism
Governor Kim Reynolds and the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) announced?$4.65 million in grant funding?for the following three projects through Destination Iowa.
- Black Hawk County Conservation and Linn County Conservation - $3,500,000
- City of Maquoketa and Jackson County Conservation - $750,000
- City of Colfax - $400,000
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 MoreIowa Great Places and Cultural & Entertainment Districts Designees Announced
Thirteen Iowa communities will receive support through two creative placemaking programs that put the arts, culture and history at the center of creative community development.
The Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs designated Jefferson, Oskaloosa, Washington and Woodbine new Iowa Great Places, and re-designated Appanoose County/Vermillion Township, Bondurant, Council Bluffs, Malvern, Maquoketa and the Turkey River Recreation Corridor.
The department also designated new Iowa Cultural & Entertainment Districts in Iowa City, McGregor and Winterset.
Read MoreIowa in the News
Here are some exciting media highlights featuring Iowa.
- The Travel featured Iowa glamping opportunities in its article, “10 Best Glamp Retreats You Can Find In Iowa.”
- NPR in Kansas City spotlighted the Iowa State Fair in its article, “State fair season is almost here. Many hope for return to pre-pandemic attendance.”
- Sioux Falls’ Hot 104 called Okoboji the most underrated town in Iowa: “Charming Iowa Town Named Most Underrated City in Entire State.”
- Midwest Living spotlighted the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium in "12 One-of-a-Kind Museums You can Only Find in the Midwest"