Quad Cities — The Iowa Tourism Office and the Travel Federation of Iowa presented 27 awards recognizing excellence in the tourism industry at a ceremony on October 26 in Sioux City during the 2017 Iowa Tourism Conference.
The Quad Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau (QCCVB) won in the Outstanding New Event (Metro) category for Quad Cities Tourism Week that happened in May of this year. The QCCVB hosted several events during Quad Cities Tourism Week for the public, partners, and elected officials about the positive impact tourism has on the Quad Cities economy.
“Receiving the best event award for Quad Cities Tourism Week was particularly appreciated because so many partners, like the Quad Cities Lodging Association, participated and made the event a great success for our community,” said Joe Taylor, QCCVB President/CEO.
DeWitt Chamber & Development Company won the Outstanding Niche Marketing Initiative (Rural) category.
“The Iowa Tourism Awards recognize exceptional work by passionate tourism individuals and organizations,” said Shawna Lode, manager of the Iowa Tourism Office. “We appreciate our many partners who provide memorable traveler experiences and grow the state’s economy through their efforts.” “These awards represent the best of the best in the state,” said Andy Milam, president of the Travel Federation of Iowa. “The award ceremony gives us a chance to celebrate their efforts.” Awards to both metro and rural areas were made in 13 award categories. In addition, conference attendees voted for the People’s Choice Award; nominees were the second-highest scoring nominations in 12 of the categories. The complete list of 2017 Iowa Tourism Award recipients:
Outstanding New Event Quad Cites Tourism Week, Davenport (Metro) Rhubarb on the River, Manchester (Rural; tie) World Æbleskiver Major League Eating Contest, Elk Horn (Rural; tie)
Outstanding Attraction The Alley Kadts, Oskaloosa (Metro) Manning Hausbarn-Heritage Park, Manning (Rural) Outstanding Community Council Bluffs (Metro) Villages of Van Buren (Rural) Outstanding Dining Business Jefferson County Ciderworks, Fairfield (Metro) Flatted Fifth Blues & BBQ, Bellevue (Rural) Outstanding Event Loessfest, Council Bluffs (Metro) Tri City BBQ Fest, Denison (Rural) Outstanding Individual Leader Rosemary Beach, Cedar Falls (Metro) Bill Hillman, Shenandoah (Rural) Outstanding Lodging Property BlackHawk Hotel, Cedar Falls (Metro) White Lions Bed & Breakfast, Winterset (Rural; tie) Bridges Bay Resort, Arnolds Park (Rural; tie) Outstanding Marketing Collaboration GO Cedar Rapids, Cedar Rapids (Metro) Chariton Area Chamber Main Street/Tourism Lucas County, Chariton (Rural) Outstanding Niche Marketing Initiative Catch Des Moines, Des Moines (Metro) DeWitt Chamber & Development Company, DeWitt (Rural) Outstanding Promotional Material GO Cedar Rapids, Cedar Rapids (Metro) Manning Hausbarn-Heritage Park, Manning (Rural) Outstanding Retail Experience Barn Happy, Cedar Falls (Metro) The MARKKET, Edgewood (Rural) Outstanding Social Media Execution Catch Des Moines, Des Moines (Metro) Villages of Van Buren, Keosauqua (Rural) Outstanding Website Council Bluffs Convention and Visitors Bureau, Council Bluffs (Metro) People’s Choice Award Okoboji Store in Okoboji The annual Iowa Tourism Conference brings together nearly 250 industry representatives from across the state to network, attend educational sessions, and discuss emerging industry trends. Tourism in Iowa generates more than $8.06 billion in expenditures and $466 million in state taxes, plus employs 67,400 people statewide. The Iowa Tourism Office is part of the Iowa Economic Development Authority. For more information, visit traveliowa.com, call 800.345.IOWA, or stop at any Iowa Welcome Center. Travelers can find additional travel inspiration on the Iowa Tourism Office blog, Facebook page, Twitter feed, Pinterest boards, Instagram account, or You Tube channel.
