As the school year ends and the weather warms up, many Iowans are thinking about summer vacations, weekend trips and activities to enjoy with family and friends. There is a lot to do close to home.
According to a report on the economic impact of Iowa travel:
• Travel spending in Iowa totaled $7.6 billion in 2012, representing an increase of 5.6 percent from 2011.
• Total payroll income received by travel-generated employees and workers in Iowa, increased 4.7 percent from 2011 to almost $1.2 billion in 2012.
• Traveler expenditures directly generated 64,400 jobs in Iowa during 2012, a 1.7 percent increase from 2011.
Tourism continues to provide a boost to local economies as visitors take more trips and spend more on lodging, entertainment, transportation, food and shopping. Tourists and travelers spent 8.5 percent more in 2013 than they did in 2012 when visiting Iowa’s most popular destinations, including historical attractions, museums, scenic byways and outdoor recreation.
If you’re looking for ways to enjoy your summer, the latest edition of the Iowa Travel Guide will inspire you to explore all Iowa has to offer. The free guide features nearly 800 attractions, 200 bed and breakfasts, 500 campgrounds/cabins and 600 hotels.
The Travel Iowa web site is newly redesigned to cater to Iowans with a range of interests, from history and culture to hunting and outdoor recreation to wine and beer. You’ll find an events calendar, get vacation ideas, discover things to do and see, and get help planning your itinerary.
Another good resource for your travels is the just-released 2014 Iowa Transportation Map, which shows all highways, airports, rail lines, lakes, rivers and major county roads. To order a free Iowa travel packet that includes the new map and 2014 Iowa Travel Guide, call 800-345-IOWA or visit www.traveliowa.com.
An electronic version of the 2014 Iowa Transportation Map is also available online at www.iowadot.gov/maps by selecting the “Transportation Map” link. Information for a mobile device map-viewing app is available there as well.