[OCTOBER 23, 2025] (Decorah, Iowa) – The Iowa Tourism Office released new data showing tourism-related expenditures in the state reached $7.5 billion in 2024, a 2.8% increase over 2023. Travel-generated expenditures in Winneshiek County totaled 45.7 million.
Visit Decorah Marketing and Community Engagement Specialist Alyssa Ritter noted that, “When people choose to visit Decorah and Winneshiek County, they’re doing more than exploring our trails and shops—they’re investing in our people, our downtowns, and our future. Tourism keeps our small businesses thriving, creates local jobs, and ensures that the things we love most about Northeast Iowa can continue to flourish.”
Additional data from the Economic Impact of Tourism study shows travel-generated state and local tax receipts in Winneshiek County of 6.7 million annually. Tourism in Iowa also supported 71,918 jobs. The tourism industry directly employs 324 people in Winneshiek County.
Winneshiek County Development and Tourism Executive Director Stephanie Fromm emphasized the vital role that visitor spending plays in the local economy, stating, “Tourism is more than a leisure activity; it’s an economic driver. Each dollar spent by visitors in Winneshiek County strengthens our local businesses, supports high-quality jobs, and contributes to the overall vitality of our region.”
“This year’s numbers reflect the continued strength of our tourism economy and the enduring appeal of our state’s destinations,” said Amy Zeigler, manager of the Iowa Tourism Office. “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.”
The entire report is available at 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 beautiful scenery and unique history. For more information on everything Iowa has to offer tourists, visit traveliowa.com.
