National Travel and Tourism Week was held last week.

In honor of National Travel and Tourism Week, the Iowa Tourism Office recognized the Marion County Development Commission recently for contributing to the state’s $8.06 billion tourism industry.

Each year travelers’ spend more than $50 million in Marion County which contributes to close to $420,000 in local tax revenue. Travel and tourism also provides 360 residents with job opportunities.

Executive Director of the Marion County Development Commission, Carla Eysink says, “In today’s competitive environment, the appeal of our downtowns and small businesses are key to retaining and attracting new residents and industry. Dollars spent by traveler’s downtown while visiting help diversify our economic base and build amenities that are important in keeping attractive growing communities.”