The greater Des Moines area received $1.9 billion in economic impact last year, thanks in part to tourism revenues in Dallas County.

According to the Iowa Economic Development Authority’s County Impact Study, Dallas County generated $173 million in travel expenditures in 2012.  Together with Polk County, that’s up 5.5 percent over 2011.

Combined, Dallas and Polk Counties contributed more than one quarter of the $7.6 billion in statewide travel-generated economic impact in 2012.  These travel expenditures also produce jobs for 1,700 Dallas County residents alone.

Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau President and CEO Greg Edwards says between meetings, conventions, tradeshows, motor coach groups, sporting events and leisure travelers the area is becoming a stronger visitor destination.