April 6, 2022 was a huge day for Iowa’s tourism partners as two new funding opportunities were announced. These announcements come at the perfect time as the industry is gearing up for a busy summer travel season. Learn more about each opportunity and how the funding can assist your organization with growing Iowa’s tourism industry.
Meet In Iowa, administered by Iowa Restaurant Association
This program is meant to stimulate business, meeting, conference, festival, group, sports, travel. There will be up to $900,000 available as reimbursement for qualified meeting expenses. Applications will be available Monday, April 11 at MeetInIA.com. Questions about the program can be directed to info@meetinia.com or 515-276-1454. Meet In Iowa will also have a booth at the Iowa Tourism Conference to answer questions about the program.
Jessica Dunker and the Iowa Restaurant Association team have done a fantastic job getting this program off the ground and ready for partners to start receiving reimbursements. Funding is available first come first served first basis. Once the funds run out there is no plan at this time to replenish the program.
Watch the Webinar Recording
Destination Iowa, administered by Iowa Economic Development Authority
Governor Reynolds announced Destination Iowa as a $100 million investment in communities and visitor attractions, funded by federal ARPA dollars. There are four separate project funds: economically significant tourism development projects, outdoor recreation, tourism attractions and creative placemaking. Destination Iowa will provide new opportunities to create and invest in attractions that will raise Iowa’s profile, welcome out-of-state travelers, and increase visitor spending while accelerating tourism’s recovery. It will also spur local economies and contribute to efforts to recruit new members of Iowa’s workforce. Applications will be available May 9. Learn more about the program at IowaEDA.com/destination-iowa. Questions about the program can be directed to destinationiowa@iowaeda.com or 515.348.6162.
Watch the Webinar Recording