The tourism effect and economic impact in Southwest Idaho
TOURISM MATTERS
Stay. Play. Explore.
It’s more than a saying. It’s a mission.
Tourism in and within Southwest Idaho has been well-researched, focusing on the industry and economic impact. Dean Runyan Associates (2023) and Compass—Longwoods International for Visit Idaho (visitor profile, 2023).
Direct travel spending in Idaho grew from $5.7 billion in 2022
to $5.8 billion in 2023 — a 2.2% increase.
THE ECONOMICS
Tourism is the state’s third-largest industry behind agriculture and technology. This snapshot shows how Southwest Idaho benefits from those who stay, play, and explore.
TRAVEL SPEND & REVENUE
- $2.43 billion in direct travel spending
- $162.4 million state and local tax receipts generated from travel spending
- $19.4 million in local tax revenue
- $143 million in state tax receipts
WHAT ARE VISITORS SPENDING ON?
- $422.8 million on accommodations
- $599.6 million on food service
- $328.7 million on local transportation
- $79.8 million on entertainment
- $228.4 million in retail
- $222.9 million on air transportation
Dean Runyan Associates, Idaho Economic Impact Report 2023
TOURISM EFFECT
The top reasons visitors choose Southwest Idaho, where their interests lie, and where they come from.
REASONS FOR VISITING
According to the Compass – Longwoods International, Travel USA Visitor Profile, 2023 Edition report, visitors come to see friends and family, to experience the outdoors, and to tour the region. And here is what they do:
- • Sightseeing
- • Shopping
- • Attending event or celebration
- • Landmark/historic site
- • National/state park
STAY THE NIGHT
- • 3.1 nights is the average number of nights spent in SW Idaho
- • 3.1 people is the average size of a group traveling together (who stay overnight)
WHERE DO THEY COME FROM?
- 1. Boise, Idaho
- 2. Spokane, Washington
- 3. Salt Lake City, Utah
- 4. Los Angeles, California
- 5. New York, New York
- 6. Idaho Falls-Pocatello, Idaho
- 7. Seattle-Tacoma, Washington
- 8. Twin Falls, Idaho
