Local Tourism Leaders at Tourism Night in Des Moines
Industry leaders held their annual Iowa Tourism Night with elected officials in downtown Des Moines.
“The strong turnout at Iowa Tourism Night underscores the power of collaboration between tourism professionals and elected officials,” said Chelsea Lerud, Executive Director of Iowa Travel Industry Partners. “This event goes beyond advocacy - it builds relationships that shape the future of Iowa’s tourism industry. Together, we can advance policies that drive economic growth, create jobs, and strengthen communities statewide.”
Tourism officials say it remains one of Iowa’s fastest-growing industries. According to the Economic Impact of Tourism on Iowa 2023 report by Tourism Economics, travelers in Iowa generated $10.9 billion in revenue, supporting more than 70,000 jobs—equivalent to 1 in every 18 jobs in the state. Tourism activities also contributed over $1.1 billion in state and local tax revenue. Advocates say without these visitor-generated taxes, each Iowa household would need to pay an additional $857 to replace the lost revenue.
"Tourism is a driving force for economic growth in our communities,” says Lindsey James, Executive Director of Visit Mason City. “Legislative Night provides a valuable opportunity to share stories of how investments in tourism have directly benefited local businesses, attractions, and residents. We’re proud to represent Mason City and collaborate with state leaders to ensure continued support for this vital industry.”
Key priorities discussed at Tourism Legislative Night included:
- Promoting Tourism through User-Funded Enhancements: Support initiatives allowing self-sustaining user fees to invest in and improve tourism destinations across Iowa.
- Maintaining Consistent Tourism Funding: Advocate for preserving current tourism line items in the state budget to ensure continued growth and development in the industry.
- Maintaining Iowa’s Summer Tourism Season: Safeguard the current school start date of August 23 and explore options to enhance summer, benefiting tourism statewide.
- Funding the Major Tourism Attraction Fund: Secure ongoing support for the Major Tourism Attraction Fund to boost large-scale tourism projects that enhance Iowa’s appeal.
Tourism Legislative Night was hosted in partnership with various statewide tourism associations, organizations, and stakeholders, including the Iowa Gaming Association, CIT Signature Transportation, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Sioux City, Iowa Speedway, Iowa Association of Chambers of Commerce, Iowa Bicycle Coalition, Iowa PGA, RAGBRAI, Iowa’s County Conservation System, Iowa Brewers Guild, Iowa State Fair, Cedar Ridge Distillery, and supported by destination partners such as Catch Des Moines, Discover Ames, Travel Dubuque, Think Iowa City, and Visit Quad Cities.
ABOUT VISIT MASON CITY
Founded in 1985, Visit Mason City is the designated marketing and sales organization for Mason City, Iowa. Funded through hotel/motel tax dollars, a county investment, and private partnerships, its mission is to enhance the economy of Mason City and the North Iowa area through the promotion of the region as a destination for overnight visitors.
