The Iowa Tourism Office has published its economic impact report for tourism in the state in 2024, including an interactive map breaking down tourism’s economic impact by county.

There were 46.1 million visitors, and tourism-related expenses reached $7.5 billion in 2024, a 2.8% increase over 2023. Travel-generated state and local tax receipts came in at $1.2 billion. Tourism in Iowa also supported 71,918 jobs. 

“This year’s numbers reflect the continued strength of our tourism economy and the enduring appeal of our state’s destinations,” Amy Zeigler, manager of the Iowa Tourism Office, stated in a press release. “To keep this momentum going, we’ll continue to focus on understanding the evolving motivations of today’s travelers and helping Iowa communities connect with them in the most impactful ways.”

Counties with the greatest increase in tourism in 2024 include (county, county seat, percent increase):

• Sioux County (Sioux City), 11.8%
• Dallas County (Adel), 9.7%
• Plymouth County (Le Mars), 9.6%
• Ida County (Ida Grove), 9.3%
• Davis County (Bloomfield), 8.9%

Other counties in Central Iowa performed at varying rates. Polk County (Des Moines) had a 4.7% increase in tourism. Other Central Iowa counties include Adair (Greenfield) at 0.5%, Clarke (Osceola) at -0.5%, Guthrie (Guthrie Center) at 3.2%, Jasper (Newton) at 0.6%, Madison (Winterset) at 2.8%, Mahaska (Oskaloosa) at 6.1%, Marion (Knoxville) at 5.4%, Marshall (Marshalltown) at 4.1%, Poweshiek (Montezuma) at 8.1% and Warren (Indianola) at -5.9%. 

The entire report is available at traveliowa.com.