Lt. Gov. Judge kicks off tour to promote Iowa travel

DES MOINES - Lt. Gov. Patty Judge kicked off a 67-stop summer travel tour of Iowa Wednesday to highlight the state's tourist attractions and festivals.

She is hoping Iowans will follow her lead and support local attractions that make up the state's $6.3 billion tourism industry.

"Iowa has fun, unique, exciting attractions, events and festivals for the entire family," Judge said.

Judge started her tour at the Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines, one of the state's top attractions.

She said in these economic times, Iowa families who might not have the resources to travel to the coasts or attractions such as Disney World should consider affordable travels at home.

She cited a 2008 survey by AAA that found Iowa the fourth-most affordable state in the nation for travel. The state's tourism industry also supports 65,000 jobs in the state.

"When Iowans travel in their state they are putting money right back into their communities, right back into the state," Judge said.

The 2009 Iowa Travel Guide lists more than 700 events and attractions statewide and 2,000 festivals and activities, many of which Judge said are free or of minimal cost.

"Taking an Iowa vacation is fun - an affordable way to have fun and relaxation without breaking the bank," Judge said.

Her itinerary includes stops such as the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum in Decorah, King's Pointe Resort in Storm Lake and the Meskwaki Pow-Wow.

"I think this is going to be great fun," Judge said. "It's going to give Iowans, I hope, opportunities and ideas for affordable ways to spend their summertime while supporting Iowa local businesses."

The Iowa Tourism Office advertised in both Chicago and Minneapolis this spring to highlight Iowa's attractions for out-of-state residents.

Lt. Gov. Patty Judge Travel '09 Iowa Tour

Follow her travels at www.traveliowa.blogspot.com

Copies of the 2009 Iowa Travel Guide can be ordered or viewed at www.traveliowa.com.