(Arnolds Park)– While this weekend is a big one for anglers with the official opener of the walleye season on the Iowa Great Lakes, it also provides a big boost to the local economy. Kylie Zankowski of Vacation Okoboji tells KUOO news it’s something not to be taken for granted…
“Any time they come to the area, not only are they visiting our area and enjoying our area and hopefully coming back again, but they’re spending money here in the bait shops, the restaurants, the gas stations, the hotels, so it’s a great impact on our local community. We’re seeing a lot of restaurants, hotels, open up this weekend. It’s kind of their soft open as they get ready to kick off for summer, so it’s really great to see the area come back to life, things greening up, and people out on the water.”
Zankowski adds Walleye Weekend can also serve as an indicator as to what the rest of the upcoming season holds in store for visitors to the Iowa Great Lakes…
“As we chat with our lodging partners and monitor the Air B and B short term rentals, it’s looking like it’s going to be a strong summer. We’ve got so many great community events and things to offer here in the Iowa Great Lakes, so we’re looking forward to another strong visitation summer. You never know what to expect with the economy and people’s schedules, so so far it’s looking like it will be another great turnout.”
Zankowski says the higher gas prices will likely have at least somewhat of an impact on demographics this summer…
“We’re hoping that with those extended expenses that maybe people will choose to travel a little closer. Instead of flying or going further away, maybe they’ll choose to stay in the Midwest and come to Okoboji. We’re really working on promoting the area as an affordable destination, showcasing all of the great amenities that we have here for people to enjoy. You know once they’re here we have so many free things for them to enjoy. We’ve got over 15 area parks that our cities do a great job of maintaining and improving every year, over 40 miles of bike trails, free concerts, fireworks. There’s so much to do and see here and we can help showcase that to tourists to know that it’s affordable to stay here.”
Tourism numbers also have a direct impact on cities in the area that rely heavily on lodging tax revenue to help fund various projects each year.
