Tourism Resources
Travel research and tourism resources that provides an excellent snapshot of the industry and its current and future impacts.
06/24/2025:
U.S. tourism partners and advocates—your voice matters.
Action Needed: Protect Brand USA’s Funding and America’s Global Competitiveness
U.S. tourism partners and advocates—your voice matters.
Congress is considering a major funding cut to Brand USA, the nation’s public-private destination marketing organization. The proposed legislation—known as the “Big Beautiful Bill”—would slash the federal funding match from $100 million to just $20 million, jeopardizing our ability to attract international visitors at a critical time.
With global events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 2028 Olympics, and the U.S. Semiquincentennial (America 250) on the horizon, now is the time to double down—not back down—on international marketing.
Why This Matters:
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Brand USA is not funded by taxpayer dollars. It’s powered by fees (ESTA) collected from international travelers entering the U.S. through Visa Waiver countries.
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The system is self-sustaining: more marketing → more travelers → more ESTA fees → more revenue into the general fund.
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Cutting this funding means less global visibility, fewer international visitors, and ultimately less money for the U.S. economy.
Take Action Now:
Send a letter to your members of Congress urging them to oppose the funding cut and fully support Brand USA.
✅ It’s fast.
✅ It’s impactful.
✅ It’s pre-loaded with a customizable message.
Steps:
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Choose the issue category (e.g., International Trade, Commerce, or Exports).
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Submit the message as-is, or personalize it to reflect your voice.
Let’s ensure the U.S. stays competitive in the global travel market. Every letter counts.
National Travel and Tourism Week
May 4-10, 2025
Happy National Travel and Tourism Week! This week, we’re celebrating travel’s essential role in powering Idaho's economy, supporting communities and strengthening connections across every corner of Idaho.
5.8 B in travel spending
55,360 jobs in tourism
438.6 M in tax revenue
Learn more about the Power of Tourism in Idaho
04/28/25
Star Card - Idaho's REAL ID
Beginning May 7, 2025, you will need a Star Card, U.S. Passport, military identification (ID), or some other form of federally accepted ID to board a flight or access a federal building. If you want a Star Card, don't wait until the last minute! Get your documents together and go to your local Driver's License office today.
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2023 Travel Impact Dashboard
This dashboard provides travel impact data prepared annually by Dean Runyan Associates, Inc for Visit Idaho. It highlights the direct economic impacts of travel to and through Idaho by residents of the state and nation, as well as international travelers.
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2023 Travel USA Visitor Profile
Conducted by Longwoods International, this report provides an overview of Idaho's domestic tourism business in 2023.
Travel Research Archives
Research from 2015 - 2023 provides an excellent snapshot of the industry and its impact.
The State of the American Traveler - 2025
Idaho Conference on Recreation and Tourism
The Power of Idaho Tourism
Learn more about the impact of tourism in Idaho.