October 15, 2015 - The Iowa Tourism Office has released new data showing continued growth in the state's tourism industry. In 2014, travel-generated expenditures in Scott County totaled almost $622 million, an increase of 3.89% over 2013.
Over the past five years, travel-generated expenditures for the entire state of Iowa have increased by an average of 5.94 percent, beating the five year national average of 5.78 percent. According to the study, "The Economic Impact of Travel on Iowa Counties," travelers spent $8.06 billion in Iowa and generated $374 million in state tax revenues in 2014, both all-time highs.
The report also revealed that more than 66,500 Iowans owe their employment to the tourism industry, a 1.6 percent increase from 2013. Without jobs generated by domestic travel, Iowa's 2014 unemployment rate of 4.4 percent would have been 8.3 percent. The tourism industry employs 6,100 people in Scott County.
Based on preliminary numbers we're seeing for this year, we have every reason to believe our growth will continue," said Shawna Lode, manager of the Iowa Economic Development Authority's Iowa Tourism Office. "In 2015 we expect about 1.5 million people to visit our website, traveliowa.com, an increase of approximately 40 percent from 2014."
The entire report is available online in .pdf format and includes state- and county-specific data. Link to the news release from the State of Iowa
In Scott County, travel-generated expenditures in 2014 totaled $621.67, employed 6,100 people and generated $9.34 million in state taxes. Tourism in Iowa generates $8.06 billion in expenditures, employs 66,500 people statewide and generates $374 million in state taxes.
The Quad Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau (QCCVB) is the official tourism destination marketing and management organization for the Quad Cities region. The organization serves the tourism interests of Scott County in Iowa and Rock Island, Mercer, Warren and Henderson Counties in Illinois. The QCCVB increases visitor expenditures and overnight stays through strategic sales, marketing, and services. The Quad Cities averages over 1 million visitors a year that generate an $800 million economic impact on the local economy.
Over the past five years, travel-generated expenditures for the entire state of Iowa have increased by an average of 5.94 percent, beating the five year national average of 5.78 percent. According to the study, "The Economic Impact of Travel on Iowa Counties," travelers spent $8.06 billion in Iowa and generated $374 million in state tax revenues in 2014, both all-time highs.
The report also revealed that more than 66,500 Iowans owe their employment to the tourism industry, a 1.6 percent increase from 2013. Without jobs generated by domestic travel, Iowa's 2014 unemployment rate of 4.4 percent would have been 8.3 percent. The tourism industry employs 6,100 people in Scott County.
Based on preliminary numbers we're seeing for this year, we have every reason to believe our growth will continue," said Shawna Lode, manager of the Iowa Economic Development Authority's Iowa Tourism Office. "In 2015 we expect about 1.5 million people to visit our website, traveliowa.com, an increase of approximately 40 percent from 2014."
The entire report is available online in .pdf format and includes state- and county-specific data. Link to the news release from the State of Iowa
In Scott County, travel-generated expenditures in 2014 totaled $621.67, employed 6,100 people and generated $9.34 million in state taxes. Tourism in Iowa generates $8.06 billion in expenditures, employs 66,500 people statewide and generates $374 million in state taxes.
The Quad Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau (QCCVB) is the official tourism destination marketing and management organization for the Quad Cities region. The organization serves the tourism interests of Scott County in Iowa and Rock Island, Mercer, Warren and Henderson Counties in Illinois. The QCCVB increases visitor expenditures and overnight stays through strategic sales, marketing, and services. The Quad Cities averages over 1 million visitors a year that generate an $800 million economic impact on the local economy.
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