Tourism Generates $148.18 Million in Visitor Spending in Cerro Gordo County in 2025
New economic impact report highlights continued growth and the importance of tourism to North Iowa's economy.
Tourism continues to be a powerful economic driver for Mason City and North Iowa! According to newly released data from the Iowa Tourism Office, visitors spent $148.18 million in Cerro Gordo County in 2025, a 2.4% increase over 2024. The findings underscore the continued strength of the region's tourism industry and the important role visitors play in supporting local businesses, creating jobs, and strengthening our communities.
Statewide, Iowa welcomed an estimated 46.3 million visitors in 2025, generating $7.6 billion in direct visitor spending and an impressive $11.3 billion in total economic impact. The results reflect continued year-over-year growth in Iowa's tourism industry since 2021.
Celebrating the Power of Tourism in North Iowa
From our rich architectural heritage and vibrant arts and cultural attractions to outdoor recreation, sporting events, festivals, and live entertainment, Mason City and North Iowa offer an incredible variety of experiences that attract visitors from near and far.
"Tourism is so much more than welcoming visitors. It's about creating economic opportunities, supporting local jobs, and building a community we're proud to call home," said Lindsey James, Executive Director of Visit Mason City. "These numbers reflect the collective efforts of our hospitality partners, attractions, event organizers, local businesses, community leaders, and volunteers who work together to make North Iowa a destination worth discovering. Every event we host, every visitor experience we enhance, and every investment we make in our community contributes to this success. We're incredibly grateful for these partnerships and excited about the opportunities ahead."
Beyond visitor spending, tourism is a significant source of employment. In 2025, Iowa's tourism industry supported more than 72,000 jobs statewide, including 1,463 jobs in Cerro Gordo County. These jobs represent opportunities across a wide range of industries, including lodging, dining, retail, recreation, entertainment, and transportation.
Iowa Tourism Continues Its Upward Momentum
The latest economic impact study highlights the remarkable growth of Iowa's tourism industry over the past five years. Since 2021:
- Visitor volume increased approximately 11%, growing from 41.8 million to 46.3 million annual visitors.
- Visitor spending increased approximately 23%, climbing from $6.1 billion to $7.6 billion.
- Visitor-generated state and local tax revenue increased approximately 16%, rising from $1 billion to $1.2 billion.
"In 2021, we established a five-year strategic plan to strengthen and grow Iowa's tourism industry in collaboration with local, regional and state partners," said Amy Zeigler, State Tourism Manager, Iowa Tourism Office. "Every year since then, steady growth in visitor volume, spending and tax revenue shows that our approach is paying off. Tourism is now one of the major economic pillars of our state."
Early 2026 indicators suggest that momentum is continuing, with statewide hotel booking revenue increasing 11.3% and short-term rental booking revenue increasing 12.5% year over year.
Tourism Benefits Everyone
The economic benefits of tourism extend well beyond the visitor experience. Every dollar spent by travelers circulates throughout our local economy, supporting businesses, sustaining jobs, generating tax revenue, and contributing to the quality of life residents enjoy.
At Visit Mason City, we're proud to work alongside our community partners to promote North Iowa as a premier destination, attract meetings and events, enhance visitor experiences, and support continued destination development.
When tourism thrives, our entire community benefits.
Explore the Full Report: The 2025 Iowa Tourism Economic Impact Study was conducted by Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics company, on behalf of the Iowa Tourism Office. For additional findings, statewide trends, and information about the study's methodology, view the 2025 Iowa Tourism Economic Impact Report.
Visit Mason City is the designated destination marketing organization for Mason City, Iowa. Since 1985, our mission has been to enhance the economy of Mason City and the North Iowa region by promoting the area as a destination for overnight visitors. Together with our community partners, we're proud to showcase everything that makes Mason City truly "Unheard Of!"
Save the Date: Celebrate the Impact of Tourism!
Tuesday, December 8, 2026 | 5:00–7:00 PM at The Music Man Square
Join Visit Mason City as we celebrate the incredible impact of tourism on our community at our 2026 Annual Meeting! Together, we'll reflect on the accomplishments of the past year, recognize the people and partnerships that make our success possible, and look ahead to exciting opportunities for Mason City and North Iowa. Tourism is a team effort, and we have so much to celebrate!
Mark your calendars and make plans to join us! >>CLICK HERE to RSVP by November 25th.
