Idaho Division of Tourism (Travel)
Building Idaho’s economy by increasing visitor expenditures throughout the state is the goal of Idaho Department of Commerce's Tourism Development Division. The division's activities are funded by a two percent lodging tax, paid by travelers and collected by the state's hotel, motel and private campground owners. Tax collections have grown to over $7 million annually.
Forty-five percent of the funds are used for statewide programs targeted to international and domestic consumers, tour operators, travel agents, travel journalists, and film industry marketing. Another forty-five percent is distributed to non-profit local and regional tourism development organizations through the Idaho Regional Travel and Convention Grant Program. The remaining ten percent is used for administration of the division.
Private-sector oversight is provided by the Idaho Travel Council, an eight-member, private sector advisory board appointed by the governor. According to an economic impact study commissioned in 2004, Idaho's $2.97 billion tourism industry created jobs for Idahoans and generated $438 million in local, state and federal tax revenues.
Events
"Celebrate our Past, Experience our Future"
In 2008, Idaho will celebrate the centennial of its first state park, Heyburn State Park located in Plummer, Idaho. To commemorate the occasion, we’ve planned two-years of events statewide, with a special celebration at every Idaho State Park on Saturday, July 12, 2008.
All the Parks will have free day-use access, serve birthday cake for visitors, and host lots of fun things to do. We've highlighted some unique activities for History Buffs, Families with Kids, Water Lovers, Music Listeners & Dancers, and of course,
Star Gazers!
As a component of the centennial celebration, educational materials have been prepared for outreach into Idaho’s 4th grade classrooms. You can now download Teacher’s Reference Materials, Lessons and Activity Guides online!