The Iowa Tourism Office and Travel Federation of Iowa recognized Council Bluffs with three awards at the annual Iowa Tourism Awards on Oct. 26. Awards include Outstanding Website, Outstanding Event, and Outstanding Community. These awards were three of 27 presented in 13 categories for nominees from across the state of Iowa in both metro and rural areas.
The award for "Outstanding Website" recognizes the new UNleashCB website, which has demonstrated dramatic growth in users, sessions, and pageviews compared to the previous site. UNleashCB.com serves as the Council Bluffs Convention and Visitors Bureau's website and incorporates the UN Campaign to also engage locals with several features including a robust events calendar and blog.
The award for "Outstanding Event" is in recognition of Loessfest. The Council Bluffs Parks and Rec Department reports that the 2017 event drew 45,000 attendees, and 175,000 attendees since its inception in 2013.
The "Outstanding Community" award recognizes the achievements of UNleashCB.com and Loessfest, as well as the newly-redesigned Council Bluffs Visitors’ Guide, Omaha Metropolitan Area Tourism Awards, and performance of the Council Bluffs CVB in attracting conventions and tournaments.
“This news illustrates the changes we made in marketing the city are paying off,” said Council Bluffs Mayor Matt Walsh. “That is particularly true with the changes made with the Council Bluffs Convention & Visitors Bureau over the past four years.”
According to information from the US Travel Association, travelers annually spent more than $300 million in Pottawattamie County. "The Council Bluffs CVB is proud to have been part of the collaborations resulting in award-winning work,” said Mark Eckman, Executive Director of the CBCVB. “This shows when all of us work together great things are possible.” The Council Bluffs CVB’s mission is to enhance the area’s economic well-being and quality of life by promoting Council Bluffs and Pottawattamie County as a travel destination.
"The Iowa Tourism Awards recognize exceptional work by passionate tourism individuals and organizations,” said Shawna Lode, manager of the Iowa Tourism Office. "We appreciate our many partners who provide memorable traveler experiences and grow the state’s economy through their efforts.”