Iowa Tourism gives funds for art tour

Southwest Iowa Nature Trails Project, Inc., received a $10,000 grant recently from the Iowa Tourism Office.  Additionally, Golden Hills RC&D received $6,400 for the annual Southwest Iowa Art Tour.
A total of  $299,200 was granted in Iowa Tourism Grants to 33 organizations around the state. The program funds tourism-related marketing initiatives, meetings and events that benefit both local economies and the state’s economy with awards ranging from $2,500 to 10,000 with a 25% cash match.
Visitors spent more than $6.1 billion across Iowa’s economy in 2021, an expansion of 35% over 2020 spending and within 5% of a full recovery to pre-pandemic levels. This direct visitor spending impact generated a total economic impact of $9.4 billion in Iowa, sustained nearly 65,000 jobs and generated $1.0 billion in state and local tax revenues in 2021.
“Tourism is a vital component to Iowa’s economy,” Iowa Tourism Office Manager Amy Zeigler said. “The $6.1 billion in visitor spending means nearly $16.7 million was spent daily by our visitors.”
 The Iowa Tourism Office, part of the Iowa Economic Development Authority, works closely with community partners, attractions and events, to promote the state’s beautifully vast scenery and unique history. Tourism in Iowa generated $1.8 billion in tax revenues in 2021, with more than $1 billion supporting state and local governments, while employing a total of 65,000 people statewide.