March 23, 2023 (Des Moines, Iowa) — The Iowa Tourism Office presented 25 awards recognizing excellence in the tourism industry during the 2023 Iowa Tourism Conference in Altoona this week. “We continue to see tourism rebound in Iowa,” said Amy Zeigler, state tourism manager for the Iowa Tourism Office. “Events are definitely back, as evidenced by the 25 nominations we received for Outstanding Event. We look forward to continuing the positive momentum in 2023.”
Awards, divided into metro and rural distinctions, were made in 13 categories.
Outstanding Marketing Collaboration was awarded to Tour O’Brien County (Rural category) for the development of itineraries of 4 unique bloggers enjoying day trips in O’Brien County. The Tourism Committee came up with 4 individual day and weekend trips for the bloggers. In some cases, weather conditions force a “Plan B” to keep the guests entertained. According to Kiana Johnson it was not difficult. “There is a lot to do in O’Brien County!” She explained how simple comments to an individual often resulted in learning about an available activity for the public to enjoy. It was that kind of effort with results that netted a second O’Brien County Tourism award.
The Iowa Tourism Office, part of the Iowa Economic Development Authority, works closely with community partners, attractions and events, to promote the state’s beautifully vast scenery and unique history. Tourism in Iowa generated $1.8 billion in tax revenues in 2021, with more than $1 billion supporting state and local governments, while employing a total of 65,000 people statewide. For more information on everything Iowa has to offer tourists, visit traveliowa.com.