Idaho Department of Commerce-Division of Tourism, USA
Idaho draws—and awes—hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. The influx of tourism dollars is a huge boon to our state economy, directly supporting businesses that offer outstanding recreation, lodging diversity, fine dining, and more.
Specifically, according to the U.S. Travel Association, Idaho’s $3.4 billion tourism industry employs more than 26,000 Idahoans and generates almost $500 million in local, state, and federal tax revenues.
Idaho Commerce’s Tourism Development team takes the lead in showcasing all the ways people can play in the Gem State through advertising, public relations, social networking, maintaining the volumes of information on our main tourism website, visitidaho.org, and more.
Idaho Tourism’s activities are funded by a 2% lodging tax paid by travelers and collected by hotel, motel, and private campground owners. Lodging tax receipts have grown to over $8 million annually. Here’s how the funds are allocated:
- 45%goes to statewide programs that target international and domestic consumers, tour operators, travel agents, and travel journalists, as well as to film industry marketing.
- 45%is distributed to nonprofit local and regional tourism development organizations through the Idaho Regional Travel and Convention Grant Program.
- 10%is used for administration of Idaho Tourism.
Karen Ballard