May 4, 2017
Media Contact: Emily Sadewasser
Guttenberg, IA — In honor of National Travel and Tourism Week, the Iowa Tourism Office will recognize the Guttenberg Chamber of Commerce on May 11, 2017 for contributing to the state’s $8.06 billion tourism industry.
National Travel and Tourism Week (May 7-13), now in its 34th year, unites communities across the country to celebrate what travel means to employment, economic growth and personal well-being.
“We value and appreciate our partners for the work they do year-round to enhance the state’s economy through tourism,” said Shawna Lode, manager of the Iowa Tourism Office. “We’re taking this special week to recognize communities, events, attractions, restaurants and lodging facilities in all 99 counties and thank them for those efforts.”
“The Guttenberg Chamber of Commerce is proud to be a part of tourism in Iowa. Iowa has so much to offer in terms of unique events, attractions, communities, businesses, and natural resources, and we are happy to be a part of the effort to promote our community and our state,” said Chamber director Emily Sadewasser.
Travel is an integral part of the state’s economy because people who visit Iowa annually generate more than $450 million in state tax revenue that pays for programs that benefit residents. The industry also supports the jobs of more than 67,000 Iowans – jobs that can never be outsourced to another location.
Local numbers:
- 250 jobs are supported by travel and tourism in Clayton County
- Travel and tourism generates $660,000 in local tax revenue for Clayton County
In addition to its benefits for the local economy, travel can also have a positive effect on personal well-being for residents of and visitors to Iowa. Numerous research studies have confirmed the positive health effects of travel and time off, from reducing the risk of heart disease to decreasing depression. Using time off to travel with family is good for everyone, especially our children—kids who travel with their families are more likely to attend college and earn more as adults.