eTraveler: June 1, 2022
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Iowa Farm & Fun Passport Refreshed for Summer
Stop and pick the flowers! The refreshed Farm & Fun Passport includes a U-Pick Flower Farms Trail in addition to the Midwest Dairy-sponsored Dairy Trail. Check-ins on each trail enter travelers into prize drawings. (Note: previous passport holders will need to re-register their passports.)
Learn MoreIowa Careers in Hospitality & Tourism: Survey Closes June 3
The Iowa Department of Education has been working with industry partners to develop new resources to promote careers in hospitality and tourism in Iowa. Use the link below to provide additional information on any occupations for which you hire, train or have knowledge of by Friday, June 3. All information provided will be completely anonymous. Feel free to forward the survey link to colleagues at your organization or others within the industry. The more responses received, the better and more accurate the final product will be when released this July
Take SurveyFY23 Tourism Co-op Opens June 6
The co-op sign-ups will open on June 6, 2022 at 10 a.m. Opportunities will be available on a first-come, first-served basis as there are limited spots for each option.
If you have tourism co-op program questions please feel free to email Katie Kenne at katie.kenne@iowaeda.com.
Learn MoreEnhance Iowa announces CAT grant application deadlines
Due to increased funding for the Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) grant program, the Enhance Iowa Board announced two application deadlines: July 15, 2022, and January 15, 2023. CAT grants assist city, county or nonprofit organizations with funding vertical infrastructure (construction) projects related to recreation, education, entertainment and cultural activities. The grant application is available on the Enhance Iowa website. The Legislature allocated $10 million for the CAT program in FY23.
Learn MoreTourism Office Bi-Monthly Webinar Recording
Here is the recording of the May 19 webinar that includes:
- A recap of National Travel & Tourism Week
- Soul of Iowa marketing campaign
- FY23 co-op marketing program
- Industry partners web update
- Fall/Winter 2022 Travel Guide details
The next bi-monthly webinar is scheduled for July 21, 2022, at 2 p.m.
Add the Series to your Calendar - iCalIowa in the News
Here are some exciting media highlights featuring Iowa.
- USA Today: Travelers will pay and worry more on summer vacation this year. But they won't cancel.
- Forbes: Here's What To Expect From The 2022 Summer Travel Season
- Midwest Living: 8 of the Most Bike-Friendly Destinations in the Midwest
- Matador Network: Iowa’s Foodie Scene May Be the Midwest’s Best-Kept Secret. Here’s Why.
- People Magazine: 25 Things to Do, See & Eat!
- News Break | Lincoln Report: A Guide to the 5 Best Places to Visit in Iowa
- News Tribune: Driftwood Outdoors: Turkey hunting, great fishing across the Midwest in May
- Yahoo! News: 5 ways to get outdoors in Iowa this summer to see the Milky Way, skateboard, and explore
- Parade: 9 Best Food & Wine Festivals 2022
- Des Moines Register: 5 ways to learn more about Iowa this summer, from museums to nature walks
- Radio Iowa: Bike/foot path features unique ‘oculus’ on Quad Cities’ new Interstate 74 bridge
- KILR Radio: Strong Tourism Season Expected in Iowa Great Lakes
Partner Spotlight: Pocahontas County Jump-Start Accelerator Grant Program
The Pocahontas County Economic Development Commission launched the Jump-Start Accelerator Grant Program in 2020 to assist new businesses in gaining capital to open their doors and thrive within Pocahontas County. The program offers up to $10,000 to at least one startup business per year.
Recipients to date: Aspen Leaf Cafe & Coffee House, Eva's Berries, Powhatan Travel Service, MedSpa Express, Creator's and Tavern 119.
If your community is looking to create a similar program you can reach out to Emily Williams at Pocahontas County Economic Development to learn more.
Learn MoreUpcoming Meetings/Events
- June 8, 2022 - WITR Membership Annual Meeting
- June 13, 2022 - iTIP Annual Meeting
- July 6, 2022 - EITA Annual Meeting
- July 21, Iowa Tourism Office Update (webinar)
Check out the calendar of events for more details and upcoming industry meetings.
Calendar of EventsU.S. Travel Association Webinar
Future of Travel Mobility Series: Making the Great American Road Trip Green - June 2, 2022, at 11:30 a.m.
Travel and sustainability are no longer seen as mutually exclusive. During this edition of our Future of Travel Mobility webinar series, we will look closely at the critical need for EV charging infrastructure and why it can create a more sustainable future for American travelers.
Register2022 Downtown Forums
The Iowa Downtown Resource Center is offering four interactive downtown forums in June focusing on downtown nuisance properties, problem buildings and the actions a city can take to remove the problem.
Please register for your preferred location. Downtown Forums are complimentary, but registration is required.
Learn More Register