BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — From adventure seekers to foodies, Idaho is quickly becoming a hotspot for visitors, drawing travelers from all walks of life.
This week, the Idaho Conference on Recreation and Tourism hosted its annual event, bringing together industry professionals to discuss the state’s growing tourism sector. Every October, tourism experts from across Idaho gather to share ideas and strategies aimed at boosting the industry — and this year was no different.
“We learn about the most recent travel trends that are bringing people to Idaho, what our visitation looks like, as well as some different things that are impacting tourism in our area and the region,” said Natalie Jushinski, tourism manager for the Idaho Department of Commerce.
Idaho has seen an uptick in tourism in recent years, which Jushinski says is partly due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“COVID was really good for Idaho in a lot of different ways. It kind of put us on the map for being a little bit more open. That has not stopped,” Jushinski said. “We really haven’t seen a downturn in that. So with that, we’ve welcomed a lot more visitors to our state in the last couple of years.”
Once they arrive, visitors find plenty to do outdoors.
“We’ve got 3,100 miles of the most navigable waterways in the country,” Jushinski said. “There are a lot of opportunities, not only for camping, but getting out on the water, fishing — something to do year-round. It offers a lot of diversity for whatever people are looking for.”
Idaho’s appeal extends beyond its natural beauty. Culinary tourism is also becoming a significant draw.
“We’re really seeing people travel for food and those culinary experiences,” Jushinski said. “They find that’s a way to connect with where they are and connect with the locals. We have a great local scene, not just in retail, restaurants, and businesses, but people want those unique and authentic experiences.”
As tourism grows, there is an effort to promote lesser-known parts of the state.
“A lot of people know Boise, Sun Valley, and Coeur d’Alene,” Jushinski said. “But there are so many other areas and cities in the state that people just aren’t as familiar with. Because so many people are now taking road trips, they’re discovering places they didn’t know about before, beyond those well-known spots.”
Looking ahead, Idaho’s tourism officials hope these positive trends continue, highlighting the state’s year-round attractions.
“It’s about getting people to understand there is seasonality here and things you can do year-round,” Jushinski said. “It’s just working with our partners, getting people to understand what’s here, and capturing that audience.”
This post was originally published on here
