Industry
Located along the Mississippi River, Dubuque is home to 59,667 people (according to the 2020 U.S. Census). Historic buildings are juxtaposed with modern amenities like a bustling culinary scene, booming breweries, retail, gaming, hotels, B&Bs, and more.
This deep-rooted history is what sets Dubuque apart—and it’s what allows Travel Dubuque, the area’s destination marketing organization, to continue attracting visitors and telling the story of #WhereIowaStarted year after year.
Our Mission
Leading tourism destination, promotion, and development to enhance and expand the Dubuque area experience.
Leisure Travel
We focus on inspiring leisure travel through a multi-channel marketing approach rooted in digital and social media. By highlighting authentic experiences and trip-worthy moments, our efforts are designed to connect with women ages 25–45 with children at home, primarily within a 200-mile drive of Dubuque, and encourage them to plan their next getaway.
Sales Efforts
Our sales team focuses on inspiring and securing group travel by building relationships with planners through tradeshows, one-on-one meetings, and industry networking. Using a blend of traditional outreach and digital tools, they position Dubuque as a welcoming, experience-rich destination for meetings, group tours, reunions, and beyond.
Sports & Events
Whether through funding, sponsorship, or logistical assistance, our sports division and Sports Commission works with events each year. Our sports & events division also works with various event to contract support systems to allow for high quality event production for area events.
Hospitality
Our Welcome Center provides an in-person presence for the Travel Dubuque brand. Open to the public and located on Main Street, the staff answers questions, provides visitors with assistance, and offers support for the administrative office. Our travel experts also facilitate the Sister Cities program to promote mutual understanding and cooperation internationally with designated communities.
Destination Marketing Fee
Hotel properties who have signed up for the Destination Marketing Fee (DMF) Program collect a $1 per room, per night fee that is voluntarily paid for by their guests. 100% of funds collected go into a DMF account where funds are collectively allocated by a member of each participating hotel as well as Travel Dubuque staff to fund projects and initiatives that further support the local tourism industry.
Marketing Co-Op
Think of the Co-Op as your all-access pass to Dubuque tourism. When you join, you become an official Travel Dubuque partner and unlock a lineup of benefits designed to get more eyes on your business. To qualify, you’ll need to fall into one of our partner categories, and pricing is based on whether you’re inside or outside of Dubuque County.
Brochure Distribution
This year–round service is available to distribute brochures, posters, and other promotional materials within a 100-mile radius of Dubuque.