Visit Quad Cities Highlights Importance of Tourism at Iowa Travel Industry Partners' Legislative Night

January 18, 2024

Des Moines, Iowa (January 18, 2024) - The Visit Quad Cities professional team, led by iTIP president-elect and Visit Quad Cities President and CEO Dave Herrell, participated in the Iowa Travel Industry Partners (iTIP) annual Tourism Legislative Night held in Des Moines on January 17.

Herrell, alongside Joan Kranovich, Vice President of Business Growth and Director of Sports QC, represented Visit Quad Cities at this significant event attended by more than 150 industry professionals, elected leaders, and representatives from various tourism-related associations across Iowa.

The event centered around discussions on the pivotal role tourism plays in the State of Iowa's economy. With over $9.4 billion in annual visitor spending supporting 65,000 jobs, travel, tourism, and the hospitality industry emerged as vital contributors to Iowa's economic landscape.

Key figures present at the event included Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) Director Debi Durham, State Tourism Director Amy Zeigler, and representatives from organizations such as the Iowa Gaming Association, Iowa Lodging Association, Iowa Restaurant Association, and others.

“We are grateful for our Iowa elected leaders for their dedication to supporting tourism,” Herrell said. “This was another great opportunity to share the power of travel and tourism, emphasizing its positive impact in every corner of the state.”

In addition to insightful discussions, Tourism Legislative Night provided a platform for Iowa's travel and hospitality industry to network and engage with elected officials. As part of the ongoing efforts to emphasize the importance of tourism, Visit Quad Cities encourages the travel and hospitality industry to invite elected officials to future events.

The event was hosted in partnership with Iowa's tourism affiliate associations, including Travel Dubuque, Iowa Bicycle Coalition, Think Iowa City, Iowa Gaming Association, Iowa PGA, Keokuk Tourism Bureau, Vacation Okoboji, Explore Sioux City, Experience Waterloo, and Visit Quad Cities.

Media Contact:

Lindsey Row, MBA, Director of Public Relations and Communications at Visit Quad Cities at [email protected] or (815) 806-5427.

About iTIP:

Iowa Travel Industry Partners (iTIP) is a united statewide travel organization dedicated to championing tourism in Iowa. iTIP advocates for the industry's interests, focusing on development, resources, education, advocacy, and marketing. By fostering collaboration, providing technical tools, and inspiring a legislative agenda, iTIP plays a crucial role in promoting and enhancing Iowa's vibrant travel and tourism sector.

About Visit Quad Cities:

Founded in 1990, Visit Quad Cities is the official Destination Management and Marketing Organization (DMMO) for the region. Visit Quad Cities is a private 501(c)(6) non-profit engine charged with driving economic opportunity through tourism, building our authentic brand, telling and selling the Quad Cities story, and enhancing Quad Citizens’ quality of life and quality of place.  For more information, go to visitquadcities.com.