The Des Moines Arts Festival, ArtFest Midwest, Hy-Vee Triathlon and Big Country Bash helped push thousands of additional visitors into Greater Des Moines over the weekend with another jam-packed weekend just days away.  

The Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau (GDMCVB) is still quantifying numbers on these specific events to come up with an overall economic impact. Hotel-motel rooms throughout the Metro were 88 percent occupied (on average). Based on these occupancy numbers we conservatively estimate an impact of over $4.6 million being directly spent on hotels, retail, transportation, dining and entertainment. This coming weekend will bring 80/35 Music Festival, 16th Goodguys 3M Car Care Heartland Nationals and numerous Independence Day celebrations, events that are expected to generate additional economic impact on Greater Des Moines.

  

“This is great news,” said GDMCVB President and CEO Greg Edwards. “When you take a look at national trends and economic reports for the country, Greater Des Moines is doing well. Our region’s affordability and central location help tourism remain strong here. Top notch events give visitors even more reasons to visit our community. When those visitors do make the trip, we’re proud to greet them with Midwestern hospitality.”

 

An increase in advertising specifically in Omaha/Council Bluffs, Kansas City is also contributing to this summer’s strong visitor numbers. Television ads kicked off the first week of June, coupled with on-line and print advertising and radio promotions. These efforts have already boosted visitor inquiries from those areas. The GDMCVB increased advertising this year by adding Blank Park Zoo and Iowa Events Center to the cooperative TV advertising campaign. Adventureland, Prairie Meadows, Science Center of Iowa and Iowa Speedway continue to be strong participants in the summer GDMCVB TV advertising campaigns.