Pottawattamie County is recognizing National Travel and Tourism Week, May 3–9, 2026, and celebrating the role tourism plays in supporting local communities, outdoor recreation, and economic growth throughout the county.
During its May 5 meeting, the Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors approved a proclamation designating the week as National Travel and Tourism Week. The proclamation highlighted tourism’s continued impact on local businesses, workforce development, and economic activity across the county.
According to Tourism Economics, Pottawattamie County realized more than $334 million in direct traveler spending in 2024, the sixth-highest total among Iowa’s 99 counties.
Mark Eckman, executive director of Unleash Council Bluffs, addressed the board during the meeting and emphasized the importance of tourism to communities throughout the region.
“They’re making a difference in the profitability of our businesses and the sustainability of those that are nonprofits, too,” Eckman said while discussing the impact visitors have on local destinations and businesses.
As part of the presentation, Eckman also recognized winners of the 2026 Omaha Metropolitan Area (OMA) Tourism Awards. Among the honorees was Arrowhead Park near Neola, which was named Best Attraction in Pottawattamie County.
Managed by Pottawattamie County Conservation, Arrowhead Park offers camping, fishing, hiking trails, cabins, and year-round outdoor recreation opportunities. The park joins previous county-recognized winners including Hitchcock Nature Center and Crescent Hill at Hitchcock.
Eckman noted that several of this year’s award recipients came from rural communities throughout Pottawattamie County, highlighting the growing recognition of attractions and businesses outside the metro core.
“The fact that Arrowhead won the award through the voting is a testimony to the customer service and the user experience that folks have out at the park,” Eckman said.
He also described Arrowhead Park as “a great gem” within the county’s conservation system.
National Travel and Tourism Week is celebrated annually across the United States to recognize the contributions of tourism professionals, attractions, hospitality businesses, and community partners who help support local economies and visitor experiences.
This content is sourced from
Pottawattamie County
. It reflects the author's views and has not been edited by our newsroom. It may have been generated using AI assistance.
