- Transcript (RTF)
While Iowa is known for its agricultural and industrial work ethic; woven into its culture are more than a few strands of fun. From ice cream socials and concerts and art festivals and fairs, Iowans take time off to celebrate life. That activity may signal, as well, something psychological about the health of our state.
The numbers are hard to track because they come from so many sources, but the Iowa Tourism Office claims tourism is a $5.4-billion industry. The agency says the industry employs more than 62,000 people and generates more than $280 million in tax revenue every year.
Those revenues more than cover many of the state’s recreational programs. But the broader economic impact of all this fun is considerably greater. (27:47)
