Get to Know Visit Quad Cities

Visit Quad Cities is certified through the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP). This globally recognized program holds Visit Quad Cities accountable to the highest industry standards and monitors VQC’s policies, business practices, and operating principles. Securing the seal and this accreditation means that we deliver on the promise we make to our stakeholders to operate transparently, effectively, and to standard.

Visit Quad Cities is an economic development engine focused on tourism, creating opportunity and value for our bi-state (Iowa/Illinois), multi-community regional destination.

We are the official Destination Management and Marketing Organization (DMMO) for the region, and the goal is to compete for our share of the world’s attention.

Our Structure:

We are a private, 501 (c)(6) non-profit company led by a volunteer Board of Directors of regional community leaders and operated by a professional staff. Founded in 1990, Visit Quad Cities has been bringing investment into our regional destination through brand & business development, service, and promotional efforts that drive new and repeat Quad visitors to our region for meetings, conventions, sporting events, group tours, business travel, leisure & vacation getaways. Visit Quad Cities is comprised of four teams, including Administration & Operations, Business Growth & Service, Brand Acceleration & Engagement, and Destination Experiences.

Our Approach:

Visit Quad Cities is a partnership-driven organization that is the voice for the visitor economy. The QC thinks and acts regionally. It’s simply in our DNA. And, our team uses its relationships, market intelligence expertise, and partnerships to drive a strategy and business plan that brings increased visitors and brand identity to the region. A better quality of life for Quad Citizens and economic prosperity through tourism is our purpose. We pursue this at the highest standard and with transparency.

Our Funding Sources:

Our primary funding source is hotel/motel tax revenue from multiple municipalities that Visit Quad Cities serves. In addition, the State of Illinois and the State of Iowa support the organization through grants and strategic investments. Partners, members, sponsors, and event & program-related income make up private sources of funds that enable the organization to fulfill its mission, serve the community and generate opportunities for the Quad Cities region.

What We Do

• Tell and sell our QC story to the world to attract people
• Competitively position the market for identity and growth
• Drive brand promotion, content marketing, and engagement with customers
• Sales, service, and relationship development within the tourism industry
• Attract conventions, meetings, conferences, events, group tours, and reunions
• Successfully bid on, recruit, and host sporting events for the region
• Destination development and provide visitor services for guests and Quad Citizens
• Serve as a positive steward for the Quad Cities brand and regional destination
• Create and develop innovative product experiences for tourism
• Provide valuable business intelligence and market research as a community resource