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Travel Dubuque is here to help your business succeed. From marketing toolkits and co-op opportunities to industry updates and event support, we're your partner in reaching more visitors and growing tourism in Dubuque County. Explore the resources below to get started.
Travel Dubuque is the designated DMO (destination marketing organization, tasked with marketing an area or destination) for Dubuque & Dubuque County. Funded through hotel/motel tax dollars, a county investment, and private partnerships, Travel Dubuque helps businesses impacting tourism tell the story of #WhereIowaStarted. We are made up of part and full time staff members, volunteers, board members, step-on guides, and more.
Every year, Travel Dubuque shares what we've been up to and the impact we're making across the community. This year's update looks back at everything from 2025 and gives a peek into what's ahead in 2026, covering our marketing campaigns, sales and events work, the Field of Dreams Movie Site and Ballpark, and the numbers behind who's visiting Dubuque and why.
We've put together toolkits and resources to make it easy to promote #whereiowastarted alongside us. From graphics and photos to messaging and campaign assets, everything here is ready to use so you can spend less time creating and more time sharing.
The holiday season will be here before we know it, and we want to help you make the most of the season. Here's a quick checklist to get your business set up for holiday visitors, plus some ideas to help you stand out.
Travel Dubuque’s award-winning Travel Guide is the premier travel resource for visitors coming to the Dubuque area. 60,000 copies are distributed annually throughout Iowa, the Midwest, Welcome Centers, lodging facilities, attractions, area universities, colleges, and more. Reserve your ad space by October 30, 2026.
Get to know the basics.
What Does Travel Dubuque do?
Travel Dubuque is focused on providing visitors with authentic experiences, rooted in Dubuque’s history. We produce printed and digital guides, online resources, in-person service and more to make sure #WhereIowaStarted is a memorable destination.
Can I be involved?
We thought you’d never ask! We work primarily with travel related businesses but we love stretching out our message to other like minded organizations who want to see the community thrive.
How do I get started?
You will need to ‘join’ our 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. (Inside Dubuque County is FREE!)
What are the requirements?
You must fall into one of these categories: Attractions, Events, Lodging, Nature & Outdoors, Restaurants, Retail, Recreation, Welcome Centers
What is the cost?
Located within Dubuque County? Joining is completely free. Outside the county but within 50 miles of Dubuque? Annual membership is $300. Lodging partners have their own tier: properties with 51-100 rooms are $400 annually, and 100+ room properties are $500 annually.
What does this get me?
Listing + Events on traveldubuque.com: Our site welcomes around 15,000 visitors every month and is mobile-friendly. Your listing is all about your business and features your open hours, location, description, and photos. You also have the ability to add event listings throughout the year, free of charge.
Brochure Placement in the Welcome Center: Your materials will be front and center at the Travel Dubuque Welcome Center at 280 Main Street, where visitors stop in each year.
Promote your business.
Our marketing team works to reach the leisure traveler audience via a multi-channel marketing strategy focusing on digital and social media. The primary audience for our efforts are 25-45 year old females with children in the home, located within a 200 mile radius. We offer complimentary opportunities for Co-Op partners in Dubuque County and a minimal annual investment for those outside the area. Get involved and leverage enhanced promotion for your business. This is the most common way to get started with Travel Dubuque.
Learn more about paid marketing opportunities with Travel Dubuque. (Email Taylor Kellogg for more information.)
Create or update a listing on traveldubuque.com
Share Your Photos (Please no logos or type on photos. No AI generated images.)
From itinerary creation and more.
Cultivating leads from a variety of efforts, including tradeshows, one on one appointments, and networking events has allowed the sales team to develop relationships with planners across the country. Through a mix of traditional and digital marketing strategies, they work hard to bring those leads to the Dubuque area to host meetings, group tours, reunions and more.
We help groups of 3 to 3,000.
Cultivating leads from a variety of efforts, including tradeshows, one on one appointments, and networking events has allowed the sales team to develop relationships with planners across the country. Through a mix of traditional and digital marketing strategies, they work hard to bring those leads to the Dubuque area to host meetings, group tours, reunions and more.
From site visits to logistics.
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.
The front-line for visitors.
Our Welcome Center provides an in-person presence for the Travel Dubuque brand. Open to the public and located at 280 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.
Promote your business.
Our marketing team works to reach the leisure traveler audience via a multi-channel marketing strategy focusing on digital and social media. The primary audience for our efforts are 25-45 year old females with children in the home, located within a 200 mile radius. We offer complimentary opportunities for Co-Op partners in Dubuque County and a minimal annual investment for those outside the area. Get involved and leverage enhanced promotion for your business. This is the most common way to get started with Travel Dubuque.
Learn more about paid marketing opportunities with Travel Dubuque. (Email Taylor Kellogg for more information.)
Create or update a listing on traveldubuque.com
Share Your Photos (Please no logos or type on photos. No AI generated images.)
Quick tips and tricks for creating content that stands out.
Great content doesn’t require expensive equipment — it starts with a good eye, a little preparation, and a story worth sharing. These tips will help you capture authentic Dubuque moments that look great and showcase your unique perspective.
Capture vertical content
Shoot in a vertical format (9:16) whenever possible so your photos and videos are ready for social platforms like Instagram Reels, TikTok, and Stories. Use your phone’s back camera for the highest quality, and avoid switching between cameras too often during a shoot.
Start with a clean lens
A quick wipe of your camera lens can make a huge difference. Dust, fingerprints, and smudges can make your content look blurry or hazy.
Focus on quality, not zoom
Avoid using digital zoom, which can lower image quality. Instead, move closer to your subject or adjust your position to capture the best shot.
Lock your focus and exposure
Before recording, tap and hold your screen to lock focus and brightness. This helps prevent your video from constantly adjusting while you film.
Use natural light whenever possible
Good lighting will always make your content look better. When filming indoors, try facing a window or another natural light source. Avoid standing with a bright light source behind you unless you’re going for a silhouette effect.
Watch for harsh lighting
Midday sun and overhead lights can create strong shadows. Look for softer lighting, shaded areas, or golden hour moments for a more polished look.
Keep your camera steady
Small movements can make videos feel shaky. Hold your phone with both hands, brace your arms against your body, or use a stable surface when possible.
Keep clips short and intentional
Short clips are easier to edit and tell a stronger story. Aim for 2–5 second clips that capture a specific moment, movement, or detail.
Record a little extra
Start filming a second before the action happens and keep recording a second after. These extra moments make editing smoother.
Capture the details
Don’t just capture the big picture — include the small moments that bring an experience to life. Think:
Tell a story
The best content makes people feel like they were there. Show the experience from start to finish — arriving, exploring, enjoying, and leaving with a memory.
Built for lodging partners.
This toolkit includes ready-to-use assets tied to the For Places Like This campaign, graphics, messaging, and materials to help you connect with travelers booking their stay in Dubuque County.
Built for attractions, restaurants, retail, and more.
This toolkit includes ready-to-use assets tied to the For Places Like This campaign, graphics, messaging, and materials to help you connect with travelers booking their stay in Dubuque County.
Print or share a copy with your guests.
Our weekly calendar of events are available from our Welcome Center or via download. These are provided to your guests and cover all the happenings in the upcoming week. To get added to the list of distribution, call 800.798.8844 or to download your own copy weekly, check this link.
Thank you to everyone who attended our September 15, 2026 Marketing Webinar sharing out our 'For Places Like This' campaign.
This session walked through the campaign, personas, messaging, and ‘Find Your Perfect Trip’ quiz, and covered how industry partners can get involved and make the most of it for their own marketing.
Check traveldubuque.com/industry to for more resources!
Stay tuned for our next webinar in spring of 2027!