Travelers in Iowa spent more time in the state in 2013 compared to 2012. That information is included in an annual Iowa Welcome Center Survey Report released today.
Jessica O’Riley, spokesperson for the Iowa Tourism Office, says travel party spending per day on lodging, entertainment, transportation, food and shopping increased 8.5 percent from $263 in 2012 to $285 in 2013. The survey showed an increase in the number of trips in Iowa. “Travelers in 2012 took 2.9 trips to Iowa and last year that increased to 3.4,” O’Riley says.
The survey was completed by travelers who stopped at Iowa’s 19 Welcome Centers across the state. “The survey asks them what they’re here to see or what their plans are and the most popular destinations are historical attractions, museums, scenic byways, outdoor recreation and shopping,” O’Riley says. Combined, the Welcome Centers served nearly half-a-million travelers in 2013.