March 23, 2023 (Des Moines, Iowa) — The Iowa Tourism Office presented 25 awards recognizing excellence in the tourism industry during the 2023 Iowa Tourism Conference in Altoona this week. Council Bluffs and Winterset won awards for “Outstanding Community” (Council Bluffs in the Metro category & Winterset in the Rural category). Council Bluffs also won an award in the Metro category for Outstanding Event: “Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience.” In the same award went to Sidney, Iowa for their “Championship Rodeo” event in the Rural category.

Outstanding Event (Rural): Sidney Championship Rodeo

Outstanding Event (Metro): Council Bluffs’ Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience

“We continue to see tourism rebound in Iowa,” said Amy Zeigler, state tourism manager for the Iowa Tourism Office. “Events are definitely back, as evidenced by the 25 nominations we received for Outstanding Event. We look forward to continuing the positive momentum in 2023.”

Awards, divided into metro and rural distinctions, were made in 13 categories. In addition, conference attendees voted for the People’s Choice Award; nominees were the second-highest scoring nominations. (See the complete list and more photo’s, HERE)

The Iowa Tourism Office, part of the Iowa Economic Development Authority, works closely with community partners, attractions and events, to promote the state’s beautifully vast scenery and unique history. Tourism in Iowa generated $1.8 billion in tax revenues in 2021, with more than $1 billion supporting state and local governments, while employing a total of 65,000 people statewide. For more information on everything Iowa has to offer tourists, visit traveliowa.com.