Travel-Generated Expenditures in Iowa Surpass $7 Billion for the First Time
[October 17, 2024] (Iowa) – Iowa Travel Industry Partners (iTIP) is proud to celebrate continued growth in Iowa’s tourism and hospitality sector. The 2023 Iowa Visitor Economic Impact data, released by the Iowa Tourism Office, reports that tourism-related expenditures totaled $7.3 billion for the first time in the state’s history – a 5.1% increase from 2022. On average, visitors spent nearly $20 million per day experiencing all that Iowa has to offer.
“We’re thrilled by the continued growth in Iowa’s tourism industry,” said Amy Zeigler, manager of the Iowa Tourism Office. “We look forward to continuing the momentum and seeing more travelers experience all that Iowa offers.”
The study, conducted by Tourism Economics, also revealed that travel-generated state and local tax receipts totaled $1.1 billion in 2023. This amount is enough to pay the salaries of over 19,000 public-school teachers in Iowa. Without this visitor spending, each Iowa household would need to contribute an additional $857 in taxes to make up for the shortfall.
Tourism continues to play a crucial role in Iowa’s job market, supporting 70,954 jobs, which accounts for 5.4% of all employment in the state. The total income generated by tourism reached $2.5 billion, which is equivalent to $1,910 for every household in Iowa.
“The economic impact of tourism in Iowa is undeniable,” said Chelsea Lerud, Executive Director of iTIP. “This report shows just how essential tourism is to our state’s economy—supporting jobs, boosting local businesses, and generating critical tax revenue. We’re excited to build on this progress and continue to showcase Iowa’s vibrant destinations with our members.”
Dave Herrell, President of iTIP, echoed these sentiments, adding, “Tourism is a driving force behind economic growth across the state, supporting jobs in every community. As competition for travelers intensifies, Iowa must continue to invest in tourism marketing and promotion to attract even more visitors. We have incredible stories and experiences to share, and now is the time to focus on amplifying them.”
The entire report is available at traveliowa.com.
About the Iowa Tourism Office
The Iowa Tourism Office, part of the Iowa Economic Development Authority, works closely with communities, attractions and events, to promote Iowa’s diverse landscapes and cultural heritage. For more information on everything Iowa has to offer tourists, visit traveliowa.com.
About Iowa Travel Industry Partners (iTIP)
Iowa Travel Industry Partners (iTIP) is the state’s non-profit tourism association, representing a wide range of destinations, attractions, and hospitality businesses. iTIP advocates for the growth and sustainability of Iowa’s tourism sector, ensuring it remains a key component of the state’s economy. For more information on the work of iTIP, visit IowaTravelIndustry.org.
