Clinton County Surpasses $69M in Tourism-Generated Expenditures

The Iowa Tourism Office released new data showing tourism-related expenditures in the state reached $6.9 billion in 2022, a 13 percent increase over 2021. Travel-generated expenditures in Clinton County totaled $69.52 million, an increase of 8.5% over 2021. Tourism-related Recreation was up 12.6% year over year, but all segments (including lodging, transportation, and food & beverage) saw an increase.

“Grow Clinton aims to have Clinton County crack the top ten counties for tourism-related expenditures. As the twelfth most populous county, our expenditures currently rank 14th in the state. We have strong growth momentum in the River Cities, and since we work with Fulton and Illinois to market our joint area, our regional impact is probably a top ten county in Iowa. We continue to focus on bringing small meetings, bus tours, recreation seekers, concertgoers, and families to discover Clinton,” said Matt Parbs, Vice President of Community & Economic Development of Grow Clinton.

Additional data from the Tourism Economics study shows travel-generated state and local tax receipts at $1.1 billion. Tourism in Iowa also supported 68,607 jobs, comprising 5% of all jobs in the state. The tourism industry in Clinton County employs 758 people, both directly and indirectly. Tourism employs 527 people directly, and employment has seen a 3% increase. The total economic impact of tourism in Clinton County increased from $99.36 million to $106.48 million in 2022 and generated $7.29 million in local taxes. According to the Iowa Tourism Office,

“Without tourism in Iowa, each household would pay an average of approximately $874 more yearly in property taxes.” Lesley Webster, Director of Placemaking & Tourism for Grow Clinton, stated, “Tourism spending is a major driver of economic growth in our region. In addition, we know that 64% of people who visit a place report they would consider moving there. Tourism generates revenue and job spending, benefits workforce development efforts, and enhances our quality of life.”

The entire report is available at www.traveliowa.com. The Iowa Tourism Office, part of the Iowa Economic Development Authority, works closely with community partners, attractions and events, to promote the state’s vast scenery and unique history. For more information on everything Iowa has to offer tourists, visit www.traveliowa.com