Southeast Iowa – Domestic travelers spent more than 6-billion dollars in Iowa last year, a 7.6% increase compared to 2006.
While the southeast corner of the state did not see that type of jump, the numbers appear to be moving in the right direction.
The Iowa Department of Economic Development projects that more than $174,000,000 was spent by visitors to Des Moines, Henry, Lee, and Louisa Counties in 2007. That is a roughly 1.5% increase compared to 2006.
Gwen Baker with the Great River Region Partnership says tourism leaders in each county have made it a point to work together to promote Southeast Iowa.
She says that includes attending trade shows, advertising, and promoting local day-trips.
Baker says the difficult economic times and the fluctuating price of gasoline have also had people looking to travel closer to home.
Tourism spending is up 80% in Southeast Iowa since 2004.