Adel Awarded Tourism Community of the Year (Updated)

October 21, 2008 – Sioux City, Iowa

The Iowa Tourism Office and the Travel Federation of Iowa presented 20 awards to industry members during the 2008 Iowa Tourism Conference in Sioux City today.

Adel was chosen from entries in the category for communities with a population up to 10,000. The winning community was chosen based on several criteria including outstanding performance in 2007-2008, outstanding economic impact, effective marketing and a well-rounded mix of local events and attractions.

“Probably best known for its Sweet Corn Festival, Adel has a wide array of offerings that are attracting visitors,” said Iowa Tourism Office Manager Nancy Landess. “From the Iowa Book Festival and Brick Street Classic Car show to specialty shops and historic buildings, it’s easy to see why Adel earned this award.”

Landess, along with Travel Federation of Iowa President Kathy Dirks, presented a total of 20 awards at the conference. Professionals representing several facets of the Iowa tourism industry judged the nominations. 

The annual three-day conference, sponsored by the Iowa Tourism Office and Travel Federation of Iowa, brings together more than 300 industry representatives from across the state to network, attend educational sessions and discuss emerging industry trends. The 2009 Conference will be held October 21-23 in Tama.

Tourism is a $6.3 billion industry in Iowa, employing more than 63,400 people statewide and generating more than $290 million in state taxes. The Iowa Tourism Office is part of the Iowa Department of Economic Development. For more information about Iowa tourism, visit www.traveliowa.com, call 800.345.IOWA or stop at any Iowa Welcome Center.