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(Grapevine, TX) – Iowa Travel Industry Partners (iTIP) was proud to attend and sponsor American Bus Association Marketplace (ABA) 2022 in Grapevine, Texas January 8 – 11, 2022. The American Bus Association is the trade organization of the intercity bus industry, the leading trade association for the motorcoach, group travel and tourism industry.

Hosting the largest industry meeting since January 2020, ABA was able to provide the 1600+ attendees with networking and education sessions, as well as a vibrant business floor where more than 130 buyers were taking appointments to book 2022-23 tours.

iTIP attended the event on behalf of their entire association membership to encourage group travel operators to consider Iowa as their next destination. One-on-one appointments took place with 21 tour operators, while over 500 people on the networking floor traveled through the Iowa booth featuring two Ghost Players from the Field of Dreams Movie Site in Dyersville, Iowa.

Each tour operator iTIP interacted with received information on 18 statewide partners ready to host group travel. Supporting partners included Allamakee County Economic Development & Tourism, Amana Colonies CVB, Brown’s Theater, Cedar Rapids Tourism, Celebration River Cruises, Charles City Chamber & Tourism, CIT Signature Transportation, Dyersville Chamber, Experience Waterloo, Fort Dodge CVB, Iowa Quilt Museum, Jackson Co Tourism, Madison County Chamber, Mason City / Clear Lake CVB’s, Muscatine CVB, Travel Dubuque, Vacation Okoboji, and Wells Visitor Center & Ice Cream Parlor. By iTIP attending ABA on behalf of the membership and partners, it allowed for smaller organizations and attractions from across the state to receive representation on such a large stage. By working together, Iowa was able to have a loud voice in front of the ABA audience.

Many of the tour operators commented how they love to showcase Iowa as a mystery trip to their clients. Once the motorcoach rolls into Iowa, the guests are surprised with all the unique gems, fantastic eats, and excitement they find around every corner. Heaven? No, it’s Iowa!

Iowa Travel Industry Partners is looking forward to attending the next ABA Marketplace in Detroit, Michigan in February 2023.

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