About Us

As the official destination management organization of the Siouxland area, the mission of The Sioux City Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau (SCRCVB), d.b.a Explore Sioux City, is to connect with hoteliers, attractions and events, increase visitor expenditures and strengthen its communities by advancing economic growth and vitality. We help facilitate tourism-related development, events, overnight stays, and visitor connections in the local economies.

Mission Statement

Explore Sioux City is the official destination marketing organization for the tri-state area. We work to showcase our communities for visitors and residents as they explore everything Siouxland has to offer.

Structure

Formed as the Sioux City Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau in September 2019, the SCRCVB represents the Siouxland region of Western Iowa, Southeast South Dakota, and Northeast Nebraska.

A board of directors that includes representatives from the hospitality industries, the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce and members of the community appointed at-large by the board of directors oversees operations and sets strategic direction for the staff.

Funding

The SCRCVB is primarily funded through a 1.65% destination marketing fee paid by guests at member lodging facilities. Additionally there are annual contributions from local city and county governments, as well as local businesses.

staff

Kristi Franz

Executive Director

Ward Franz

Director of Sports Tourism

Ward@exploresiouxcity.org

712-224-1000

Kristen Heimgartner

Destination Experience Manager

Partners

The Sioux City Regional Convention and Visitors Bureau would like to thank the following partners for their generous support:

  • Sioux City
  • Sergeant Bluff
  • Woodbury County
  • North Sioux City
  • Dakota Dunes
  • Siouxland Chamber of Commerce

Board Members

  • Mike Adams – Chair
    Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
  • Stacie Anderson – Vice Chair
    Siouxland Magazine
  • Dustin Cooper – Immediate Past Chair
    The Arena
  • Barbara Sloniker – Treasurer
    Siouxland Chamber
  • Mark Baltushis
    Staybridge Suites
  • Alex Watters
    Sioux City Council
  • Andrew Nilges
    North Sioux City Development
  • Lloyd Ney
    Sioux City Musketeers
  • Newton Kam
    Sioux City Convention Center
  • Nick Palmiotti
    Tyson Events Center
  • Ragen Cote
    Downtown Partners

Tourism Facts

2019 DATA

0 Million
Travelers visited Iowa in 2019.

Woodbury County accounted
for 1.42 million of those.

99 th
Woodury County is ranked
among 99 counties.

Travelers spend an average
of 3.4 days per trip.

$ Billion
spent By Visitors To Iowa.

In state travelers spent
an average of $401 per trip.

Travelers from outside the state traveling in Iowa spend an average of $602 per trip.

What did they spend their time on?
  • Arts, History Culture 61%
  • Scenic/Nature 51%
  • Outdoors/Sports 43%
  • Family Fun 41%
  • Food and Drink 39%
  • Festivals/Events/Tournaments 32%
  • Shopping 26%

2021 DATA

0 Million
Visitors traveled to and whithin South Dakota.
Jobs
Supported by
tourism actvity.
Billion
Visitors spent, Surpassing 2019 Spending Levels

GDP reached $2.9 billion,
making up 5.1% of the state’s economy.

Tourism activity generated $344 million
in state and local tax revenue.

2020 Fast Facts

  • 12.6 million visitors traveled to and within South Dakota.
  • Visitor spending reached $3.4 billion.
  • GDP reached $2.6 billion, making up 4.7% of the state’s economy.
  • Tourism activity generated $276 million in state and local tax revenue.
  • Tourism activity generated 11% of all state sales tax collections.

2019 Fast Facts

  • 14.5 million visitors traveled to and within South Dakota.
  • Visitor spending increased 2.8% reaching $4.1 billion.
  • GDP reached $2.75 billion, making up 5.2% of the state’s economy.
  • Tourism activity generated $308 million in state and local tax revenue.
  • Tourism activity generated 11% of all state sales tax collections.
0
Hotel Rooms In 24 properties.