DES MOINES, Iowa—Iowa tourism supporters hosted their annual Tourism Showcase at the Iowa State Fairgrounds on Tuesday, January 31, 2023. Iowa communities, attractions and organizations participated in the event which highlights the importance of tourism to Iowa’s economy and economic development efforts.
Kris Blocker, Boone County Convention & Visitors Bureau was among other tourism leaders who visited with legislators to thank them for their past support of tourism development and promotion. In its 27th year, the showcase is hosted by the Travel Federation, a statewide, grassroots organization dedicated to growing Iowa’s tourism industry.
“Tourism in Iowa is a major contributor to the state’s economy,” said Andy Milam, President of the Travel Federation of Iowa. “Visitor spending infuses new money into local economies, and tourism highlights the unique assets that make Iowa a great place to visit, work, or start a business.”
Tourism is a revenue generating industry. In 2021 visitor spending totaled $6.1 billion in Iowa, and generated $1 billion in state and local taxes according to the Economic Impact of Visitors in Iowa 2021, Tourism Economics, Prepared by for the Iowa Department of Economic Development, November 2022.
Senator Jesse Green and Debi Durham, Director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) and the Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) met with Kris Blocker at the Travel Federation of Iowa’s annual showcase.
(contributed press release)
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