DES MOINES, Iowa – The Iowa Tourism Office encourages families to use a week-long moratorium on high school sports and activities from July 25-August 1 to explore the state or plan an end-of-summer family vacation.
The Iowa High School Athletic Association, the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union, the Iowa High School Music Association, and the Iowa High School Speech Association announced the pause earlier this year and dubbed it Family Week.
“On behalf of the tourism industry, we are thrilled for families to have this designated week to prioritize quality time together and hopefully choose to explore what Iowa has to offer,” said Amy Zeigler, state tourism manager for the Iowa Tourism Office. “Whether your family is adventure seekers, foodies or artsy, Iowa has unlimited offerings close to home and ready to be discovered.”
Families can choose to explore the great outdoors with options to hike, swim and bike, embark on a food trail or follow a guide to the best restaurants, museums, and theaters as well as luxury hotels and resorts across the state perfect for unwinding and enjoying the last bit of summer.
This initiative follows the launch of Travel Iowa’s Fuel Your Road Trip on July 1, which offers anyone who plans their road trip using the Build a Trip tool available at traveliowa.com a chance to win a $200 gift card each week through August 31.
As an additional incentive, participants will receive a confirmation email including hashtags for use along their road trip. Those who engage via social media during their visit will have the chance to win additional gift cards.
Tourism in Iowa generates nearly $9 billion in expenditures and $517.5 million in state taxes while employing 70,200 people statewide. The Iowa Tourism Office is part of the Iowa Economic Development Authority. For more information, visit traveliowa.com.
