October 8, 2025

Here are the most important updates this week:

Sign Up for the Next Iowa Tourism Office Update Webinar

Join us for the upcoming Iowa Tourism Office Update Webinar on Thursday, October 23 at 2 p.m. The main topics will include a deep dive into the 2024 Economic Impact Report, 2024 visitor spending and visitor volume figures plus county-level data. 

Register Now for the Next Tourism Insider Meeting

Join partners in Dubuque for the final Tourism Insider Meeting of the year at the Grand River Center along the Mississippi River. The day will include a panel of tourism professionals who will share wisdom they wish they had when getting started in the industry and a grant panel that will discuss how grants can build powerful partnerships within your community. Attendees will have free access to the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium at the end of the meeting. There is also an optional breakfast option (at your cost) before the meeting starts on Thursday.

Rooms are available for attendees at the Hilton Garden Inn Dubuque Downtown at a rate of $96 + taxes for the nights of November 19 and 20. Click here to book. The rate is available through October 30, 2025.

New Discounted Partner Opportunity with Bandwango

The Iowa Tourism Office is now participating in a new program with Bandwango called DXE Rise. Through this partnership, the Iowa Tourism Office can recommend partners interested in creating digital passports to Bandwango. Once approved, partners can receive up to 50% off or more depending on the license they choose. Interested partners must contact Amy Zeigler (amy.zeigler@iowaeda.com) at the Iowa Tourism Office to learn more and be approved to participate in the program.

Travel Iowa Partners Equip New York High School's Iowa-Themed Float

Thank you to all the amazing partners who introduced a group of Western New York high schoolers to Iowa nice.

When the freshmen class's teacher reached out seeking ideas and items for their Iowa-themed float for a school contest, several partners provided a variety of both. The students not only decked out their float, but they also made Iowa "swag bags" to hand out filled with all the goods partners sent. 

As a result of their hard work and our collaboration, the students won second place -- an unheard-of achievement for the freshmen class, according to their teacher -- and are now lifelong fans of our state. 

Iowans Create Community Mural Program Now Accepting Applications

An initiative offered through the Iowa Arts Council, the Iowans Create Community Mural Program matches a selected Iowa artist and community to plan, design and create an original mural that showcases the community's unique creative and cultural identity. The program is now accepting applications for communities through October 15, 2025.

Economic & Health Impacts of Cycling & Trails Study Now Available 

To better quantify the impact cycling has on Iowa's 99 counties, the Iowa Bicycle Coalition (IBC) took on a second phase of the Economic and Health Impacts of Cycling & Trails Study released in January 2025.

The Economic Impacts of Cycling & Trails Study Phase II shows that cycling makes a significant economic contribution to local communities, with cyclists contributing millions to county economies through their spending, ranging from $500,000 in smaller counties to over $150 million in more populous counties.

The study also found that 40% of recreational cyclists ride at least twice per month, generating consistent economic impact, job creation, workforce and quality of life across the state, even in the most rural counties. These findings are impactful for cycling advocacy, and grant and project applications.

For more information about accessing your county-level results, contact IBC Executive Director Luke Hoffman (luke@iowabike.org).

Iowa Tourism Office Team on the Road

Left Photo: Stephanie Neppl, Tourism Liaison, attended the Explore Siouxland “Accessibility Verified Seal Ceremony.” The event honored the 30 hotels, restaurants and attractions in Siouxland that are participating in the “Wheel the World” accessibility program. Throughout the initiative, Explore Siouxland also became “Destination Verified.” Stephanie (L) is pictured with Kristen Heimgartner (R), Director of Sales & Services at Explore Siouxland.

Right Photo: Lora Friest, Tourism Liaison, attended a ceremony and ribbon cutting with the Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce team. The ceremony featured remarks from the Crown Prince Haakon of Norway and a ribbon cutting for the Norwegian Royal Family Samlingshall in Hanson Vesterheim Commons, which was dedicated to them. Pictured left to right are Lora, Hannah Tulgren, Jessica Rilling and Alyssa Ritter.

Visit traveliowa.com/industry-partners for more information

Iowa Tourism Office  
1963 Bell Avenue, Ste 200 | Des Moines, IA 50315 US