May 11, 2017

Santa Maria Winery is recognized for contributing to state’s $8.06 billion tourism industry

 

CARROLL, Iowa (May 2017) - In honor of National Travel and Tourism Week, the Iowa Tourism Office recognized Santa Maria Winery recently for contributing to the state’s $8.06 billion tourism industry. 

 

National Travel and Tourism Week (May 7-13), now in its 34th year, unites communities across the country to celebrate what travel means to employment, economic growth and personal well-being. 

 

“We value and appreciate our partners for the work they do year-round to enhance the state’s economy through tourism,” said Shawna Lode, manager of the Iowa Tourism Office. “We’re taking this special week to recognize communities, events, attractions, restaurants and lodging facilities in all 99 counties and thank them for those efforts.”

 

“We’re proud to be able to contribute to Iowa’s tourism industry,” said Rose Guinan, co-owner of Santa Maria Vineyard & Winery. “The Iowa Tourism Office does a great job of promoting travel and tourism in Iowa and our team is happy to be part of that movement.” 

 

Travel is an integral part of the state’s economy because people who visit Iowa annually generate more than $450 million in state tax revenue that pays for programs that benefit residents. The industry also supports the jobs of more than 67,000 Iowans – jobs that can never be outsourced to another location.

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Local numbers:

• 440 jobs are supported by travel and tourism in Carroll County

• Travel and tourism generates $430,000 in local tax revenue for Carroll County

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In addition to its benefits for the local economy, travel can also have a positive effect on personal well-being for residents of and visitors to Iowa. Numerous research studies have confirmed the positive health effects of travel and time off, from reducing the risk of heart disease to decreasing depression. Using time off to travel with family is good for everyone, especially our children—kids who travel with their families are more likely to attend college and earn more as adults.