Advocacy
iTIP’s advocacy efforts focus on identifying key issues, creating meaningful public/private coalitions, empowering members, and engaging in advocacy events and programming at the local, state, and federal levels.
Bill Tracker
Current iTIP members view the most recent bill tracker here. Login to your member portal to gain access to the information.
2026 Legislative Priorities
- Keep Iowa Competitive
- Advance new opportunities such as Tourism Improvement Districts (TIDs), which give local hospitality partners the ability to collectively invest in marketing and development initiatives. Protect critical existing sources like the hotel/motel tax that communities rely on to support tourism growth.
- A Tourism Improvement District (TID) is a mechanism for funding tourism activities that
is managed and desired by property owners that can be passed on to the tourist. (Learn more about TIDs)
- A Tourism Improvement District (TID) is a mechanism for funding tourism activities that
- Advance new opportunities such as Tourism Improvement Districts (TIDs), which give local hospitality partners the ability to collectively invest in marketing and development initiatives. Protect critical existing sources like the hotel/motel tax that communities rely on to support tourism growth.
- Maintain Iowa’s Summer Tourism Season
- Safeguard the current school start date of August 23 to ensure a strong end-of-summer tourism season that benefits attractions, events, and communities across Iowa. Preserving this timeframe protects an important period of visitor spending and seasonal employment, supporting jobs and local businesses. (Economic impacts of school start date change)
- Preserve and Grow State Investment in Tourism
- Continue funding proven programs such as Destination Iowa, Regional Sports Authority Districts (RSAD), and Community Attraction & Tourism (CAT). Sustained investment in the Iowa Tourism Office and outdoor recreation programs is essential to expand statewide impact and ensure communities across Iowa benefit from tourism growth.
- Make New Tourism Programs Work for Iowa
- With the new Major Events & Tourism Fund now established, the focus is on making sure it is implemented effectively. Proper rollout will ensure Iowa can compete for large-scale events and projects that bring national attention and economic impact to our state.
The focus of iTIP's Advocacy efforts:
Advocating for Iowa’s travel and tourism industry—and the diverse sectors connected to our visitor economy—is a core mission of iTIP. We actively work to strengthen relationships and highlight tourism’s vital role with the Governor’s Administration, Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA), elected officials, state agencies, and industry stakeholders.
iTIP strategically monitors and advocates for key policy and legislative issues affecting the tourism industry at both the state and federal levels. By staying engaged with national industry organizations such as the American Bus Association, U.S. Travel Association, and Destinations International, iTIP remains at the forefront of understanding policies that impact Iowa’s tourism industry.
Advocacy Toolkit
The iTIP Advocacy Toolkit is your go-to resource for effectively championing Iowa’s tourism industry. Designed to empower our members, this comprehensive guide provides valuable tips on engaging with legislators, understanding the legislative process, and crafting impactful messages. Whether you’re new to advocacy or a seasoned professional, the toolkit offers practical advice, proven strategies, and essential tools to help you make a difference. Together, we can strengthen Iowa’s tourism industry and drive meaningful change. Access the toolkit to become a powerful advocate for Iowa tourism!