(Le Mars) — In honor of National Travel and Tourism Week, the Iowa Tourism Office recognized the Blue Bunny Ice Cream Parlor 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 appreciate the Iowa Tourism Office taking the time to stop by the Blue Bunny Ice Cream Parlor Tuesday evening, May 9 to recognize the importance of tourism to Iowa and Plymouth County during National Travel and Tourism Week,” explains Gary Susemihl, senior manager, Blue Bunny Ice Cream Parlor. “We’re already experiencing quite a few tourists at the Parlor and expect even more during the upcoming ice cream season. We invite the community to bring family and friends to the Parlor anytime for a sweet treat!”
Ice Cream Parlor Manager Gary Susemihl along with Brenda Phelan hold the certificate awarded to the Blue Bunny Ice Cream Parlor.
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.
Local numbers:
- 150 jobs are supported by travel and tourism in Plymouth County
- Travel and tourism generates $180,000 in local tax revenue for Plymouth County
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. For more information about tourism in Iowa go to www.traveliowa.com.
For more information, visit bluebunny.com/our-story/blue-bunny-parlor or find us on Facebook @BlueBunnyIceCreamParlor.
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