–New data shows tourism-related expenditures in Kossuth County increased nearly 10% in 2022, but the numbers are still lower than they were prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Joanne Roepke-Bode serves as Communications Manager for the City of Algona, and she spoke with KLGA News about the numbers recently released by the Iowa Tourism Office.
Roepke-Bode says the tourism office looks at things like transportation, food and beverage sales, lodging, retail and recreation spending when they calculate spending levels.
Now is the true kickoff of the holiday shopping season, and Roepke-Bode says it’s an extremely important time of the year for those local businesses.
Roepke-Bode says the city is excited to have a new hotel opening, which will provide more opportunities for travelers to spend their money in Kossuth County.
Statewide, tourism expenditures reached $6.9 billion in 2022, a 13% increase over 2021. You can find the full report online at www.traveliowa.com.
