(Atlantic) Cass County Tourism President Lora Kanning recently released the annual report from Travel Iowa for 2023.
According to the report, Iowa experienced $7.3 billion in visitor spending, which is an average of approximately $20 million spent every day by visitors to the state. This spending includes various categories such as lodging, food and beverage, recreation, retail, and transportation. In Cass County, $3.03 million was collected in sales and lodging taxes in 2023.
Food and beverage spending in Cass County increased by $80,000, reaching a total of $3.8 million in 2023. However, sales and lodging tax collections slightly declined, and the overall growth rate for the year was 1% lower than in 2022. The Western Iowa Tourism Region accounted for 18% of the state’s economic impact and held a 19% share in spending categories.
Kanning stated, “The Cass County Tourism Committee’s goal is to continue our strong tourism trends in our western Iowa region. We had a great 2024 and look forward to the next Tourism Annual report. Our focus has been on marketing and making visitor information easily accessible. These goals will carry into 2025 for our Cass County Tourism Committee.”
Kanning mentioned that the new webpage can be found at https://www.casscountyia.gov/county-departments/tourism/, and visitors can follow updates on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CassCountyIATourism.
In 2024, Cass County Tourism introduced water bottle stickers and postcards available at locations such as Cappel’s Ace Hardware, Homebody, and the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce office. An updated brochure is expected to be completed in 2025 and will be available on the website listed above.
Kanning also indicated that the Cass County Tourism Committee meets four times a year, at 9 AM on the first Wednesday of February, May, August, and November. Those interested in the future of tourism in Cass County are encouraged to attend the next Tourism Committee meeting, scheduled for Wednesday, February 5th, at 9 AM in the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce meeting room.
