'Tourism Insiders' to be hosted in Decorah

DECORAH -- Visit Decorah, in partnership with the Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce and Winneshiek County Economic Development & Tourism, has teamed up with the Iowa Tourism Office this year to host Tourism Insider Meeting in Decorah on Tuesday, February 27 - Wednesday, February 28, 2024. The meeting is now close to capacity, with nearly 70 individuals, representing both local and state-wide tourism organizations and tourism-related businesses, registered to attend. The Iowa Tourism Office in 2023 launched a new series of meetings called Tourism Insider Meetings. The intention of the events is to provide opportunities for industry partners from across the state to gather, collaborate, share ideas and network, while also learning about the assets found in and around host locations. Jessica Rilling, Executive Director of the Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce shares, "Tourism work is never done. In the last three years post-pandemic, tourism has, conservatively, generated more than $100 million for Winneshiek County. The active investment of time and resources, at local and state levels, remains a critical part of the equation for our local economy. This Insider Meeting is one more way to network, market and promote the Decorah area as a destination." The majority of the Iowa Tourism Insider Meeting will take place on Tuesday, February 27 from 10 AM - 4 PM in Decorah's newest Downtown gathering space, Vesterheim Commons. Attendees will have the opportunity to discuss and learn about a range of topics including agritourism, linking the past and the future in assets and attractions, wayfinding, and updates from the Iowa Tourism Office. After the conclusion of the day at 4 PM, optional activities are available for attendees to take a led hike to Dunning's Spring or to take a tour at Toppling Goliath Brewery, followed by a group dinner. The meeting will continue on Wednesday, February 28 from 7:40 AM - 10 AM, with opportunities to participate in a short yoga session with the Driftless Yoga Center, to hear about and discuss niche markets and collaborations among Decorah's small businesses, and to complete a volunteer painting activity with Nordic Fest Board members. Meeting attendees will overall gain intentional connections with Decorah businesses and organizations, and will be encouraged to visit as many Decorah establishments as possible while in town. For a full schedule and more information, visit https://industrypartners.traveliowa.com/tourism-insider-meetings/. Questions may be directed to Stephanie Neppl, Tourism Liaison with the Iowa Tourism Office/Iowa Economic Development Authority, or Alyssa Ritter with Visit Decorah. The Iowa Tourism Office is the official voice of the state's tourism industry. The Office works collaboratively with local destinations and partners to elevate Iowa's unique visitor experiences and hidden gems to inspire travel and create lasting memories. The Iowa Tourism Office works to enhance and strengthen the state's economy.