
The People & Partners Behind Idaho’s Tourism Industry
Idaho’s tourism industry is powered by dedicated individuals and organizations working behind the scenes. Meet the partners and visionaries driving this success and learn how their efforts positively contribute to the state’s economic growth.
Say Hello to Visit Idaho
Tourism plays a pivotal role in inspiring residents and attracting visitors from around the world to experience the state’s unmatched beauty and cultural heritage. Branded as Visit Idaho, the Idaho Department of Commerce–Division of Tourism Development leads efforts to position the Gem State as a premier travel destination through strategic advertising, public relations and partnerships.

These tourism efforts are funded by a 2% lodging tax paid by travelers and collected by hotels, motels, short-term rentals and private campgrounds. This funding—now exceeding $21 million annually—enables a range of impactful initiatives:
45%
supports nonprofit local and regional tourism development organizations through the Idaho Regional Travel and Convention Grant Program.
45%
is allocated to statewide programs targeting domestic and international consumers, tour operators, travel agents and travel journalists.
10%
is dedicated to the administration of Visit Idaho’s programs and activities.
Meet the Idaho Travel Council
The Idaho Travel Council (ITC) is a group of eight tourism industry professionals appointed by the governor. Representing each of the state’s seven travel regions, with one member serving at-large, the council serves to foster growth, collaboration and innovation across the tourism sector and administers grants through the Idaho Regional Travel and Convention Grant Program.
The council meets five times a year—in January, March, May, August and October—at locations throughout the state. These meetings are open to the public and provide valuable opportunities to stay informed about Visit Idaho’s marketing strategies and programs. Stakeholders, partners and residents are encouraged to attend and engage in these meetings.
Interested in serving on the council? Share your interest with current members and submit an application through the Office of the Governor website, where you can also view vacancies and term expirations
Idaho’s Seven Tourism Regions

- Northern
Coeur d’Alene, Sandpoint & Wallace - North Central
Grangeville, Moscow, Lewiston & Riggins - Southwest
Boise, McCall & Mountain Home - South Central
Twin Falls, Hagerman & Burley - Southeast
Pocatello, Lava Hot Springs & Montpelier - Eastern
Idaho Falls, Rexburg & Island Park - Central
Sun Valley, Stanley & Salmon
Regional Travel Organizations
Six of Idaho’s seven tourism regions are supported by incorporated, nonprofit regional organizations, each with its own leadership board, working to enhance the visitor experience and promote their respective area’s unique attractions while ensuring alignment with Visit Idaho’s marketing initiatives.
Region 1
North Idaho Tourism Alliance (NITA)
Stephanie Sims
P.O. Box 920
Bonners Ferry, ID 83805
(208) 267-0822
Region 2
North Central Idaho Travel Association (NCITA)
Mary E. Romero
P.O. Box 2018
Lewiston, ID 83501
(208) 413-1930
Region 3
Southwest Idaho Travel Association (SWITA)
Jared Montague
P.O. Box 113
McCall, ID 83638
(970) 209-9966
Region 4
Southern Idaho Tourism (SIT)
Kyle Tarbet
2015 Nielsen Point Place
Twin Falls, ID 83301
(208) 733-3974
Region 5
Southeast Idaho High Country Tourism
Tami Leonhardt
P.O. Box 669
Lava Hot Springs, ID 83246
(888) 201-1063
Region 6
Yellowstone Teton Territory
Trisha Chatterton
167 W. Main St., #2
Rexburg, ID 83440
(208) 356-5700
Region 7
A regional travel organization has not yet been established for this region.
Tourism & Recreation Partners
Behind Idaho’s vibrant tourism and outdoor recreation industry are organizations working tirelessly to ensure its continued success. Learn about these invaluable partners:
- Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation: Manages state parks and recreation programs to enhance visitor experiences and protect natural resources. IDPR also provides a variety of funding programs and grants to government entities for the provision of equipment and for the creation and renovation of outdoor recreational facilities. Additionally, the department oversees the Outdoor Recreation Funding Advisory Committee to expand outdoor recreation opportunities and access across the state.
- Idaho Fish and Game: Conserves Idaho’s wildlife and provides outdoor opportunities for hunting, fishing, and recreation.
- Idaho Lodging & Restaurant Association: Supports Idaho’s hospitality businesses through advocacy, education and collaboration.
- Idaho Recreation and Tourism Initiative: Promotes sustainable tourism and outdoor recreation opportunities across the state.
- Idaho Department of Lands: Oversees public lands and fosters stewardship to support tourism and recreation.
- Bureau of Land Management Idaho: Provides access to Idaho’s vast public lands for outdoor recreation.
- U.S. Forest Service: Manages Idaho’s national forests to ensure sustainable use and recreation opportunities.
- National Park Service: Preserves Idaho’s iconic landscapes and provides educational visitor experiences.
- Idaho Rangeland Resources Commission: Promotes the stewardship and sustainable use of Idaho’s rangelands.
- Idaho Firewise: Educates communities about wildfire prevention to protect Idaho’s landscapes and tourism resources.
- Idaho Outfitters & Guides Association: Unites Idaho’s licensed outfitters and guides, advocating for the preservation, growth and integrity of the outfitting industry while promoting quality outdoor experiences for the public.
- Idaho Ski Areas Association (Ski Idaho): Champions Idaho’s ski resorts by promoting winter recreation, fostering economic growth and advocating for the interests of the state’s snow sports industry.
Economic Data & Research
Discover a comprehensive collection of reports, insights and analyses highlighting the wide-reaching impact of tourism in Idaho. From state and regional stats to seasonal trends, lodging data and much more, you’ll find it here.
Infographics
- Longwoods, Idaho Visitor Research 2023, Statewide
- Longwoods, Idaho Visitor Research 2023, All Regions
- Dean Runyan, The Idaho Economic Impact Report 2021 (PDF) – Statewide
- Dean Runyan, The Idaho Economic Impact Report 2021 (PDF) – All Regions
- 2021 Idaho Tourism Statistics
- 2021 Idaho Tourism Statistics – All Regions
Full Reports
- Dean Runyan, The Idaho Economic Impact Report 2023 (PDF)
- Longwoods International, Idaho Visitor Research, 2021 Edition – Statewide
- Dean Runyan, The Idaho Economic Impact Report 2021 (Online Interactive)
- Dean Runyan, The Idaho Economic Impact Report 2020 (PDF)
- Longwoods International, Idaho Visitor Research, 2019 Edition – Statewide
- Dean Runyan, The Idaho Economic Impact Report 2017 (PDF)
- Longwoods International, Idaho Visitor Research, 2017 Edition – Statewide
- Longwoods International, Idaho Visitor Research, 2017 Edition – Regional
- Idaho Parks and Recreation Economic Impact Studies
- Longwoods International, Idaho Visitor Research, 2015 Edition – Statewide
- Longwoods International, Idaho Visitor Research, 2015 Edition – Regional
- 2015 Idaho Image Study
Tourism Economic Impact by Region
Statewide
Infographics
Northern
Region
North Central
Region
Southwest
Region
South Central
Region
Southeast
Region
Eastern
Region
Central
Region
Lodging Data
Lodging data is provided by the Idaho State Tax Commission. Please note: the taxes collected are presented as negative numbers since the amounts are subtracted from the total taxes collected.
Collection Reports
- FY25: January 2025 Collections Report
- FY25: December 2024 Collections Report
- FY25: November 2024 Collections Report
- FY25: October 2024 Collections Report
- FY25: September 2024 Collections Report
- FY25: August 2024 Collections Report
- FY25: July 2024 Collections Report
- FY24 Final Collections Report
Other Resources
Outdoor Recreation Trends & Data
Annual Reports
News & Recognition
Stay informed on the latest updates in Idaho’s tourism industry and explore the achievements highlighting Visit Idaho’s success in tourism marketing and promotion.
Awards & Achievements
Visit Idaho’s marketing and public relations efforts have garnered recognition at prestigious regional and national events. View the accolades that showcase the dedication to driving tourism excellence.
HSMAI Adrian Advertising Awards:
- Bronze – Scenic Byways, Integrated Campaign – Business to Consumer
- Bronze – Travel Guide, Advertising-Print Collateral
- Bronze – Travel With Care, Advertising-Corporate Social Responsibility
ESTO Mercury Award:
- Best Integrated Marketing Campaign
HSMAI Adrian Advertising Awards:
- Platinum and Gold Awards – Travel Guide
- Bronze – Expanding Travel Horizons: Idaho’s Cultural Connections, Corporate Social Responsibility
ESTO Mercury Award:
- Judges Choice: 18 Summers
ESTO Mercury Award:
- 18 Summers – Best Digital Campaign
- Vitamin ID – Best Co-op Marketing
Effie Worldwide: Effie Award:
- 18 Summers, Travel & Tourism
ESTO Mercury Award:
- Best Print Visitor Guide
ESTO Mercury Award:
- Vitamin ID – Best Overall State Tourism Program
ESTO Mercury Award:
- Cruising the Loop – Best Niche Marketing
- Great Idaho Getaway – Best Print Advertising