On this episode of The Cities:
Dave Harrell, President and CEO of Visit Quad Cities, talks about tourism recovering strongly in 2023, surpassing pre-pandemic levels in 2019 with $1.3 billion in economic impact. However, he notes they can't rest on past success and must continue growing.
For 2024, many events are already planned like bowling in February-May, women's golf and wrestling championships. Venues like Vibrant Arena and TBK Bank Sports Complex will host more sports tournaments. The John Deere Classic golf tournament remains a signature event, and they hope to bid for NCAA golf championships in 2027-2028.
Competition from other cities is intense, so they must invest more in infrastructure, facilities, sales and marketing. The new convention centers in Davenport and East Moline have helped attract more events. River cruise ships docking in Davenport are exposing the Quad Cities globally.
RAGBRAI and Bix in July 2022 brought over 56,000 people, demonstrating the QC can successfully host large simultaneous events. International marketing will target Mexico and other countries.
The podcast also discusses better coping with trauma and loss during the holidays. Grief counselor Lisa Levy recommends not isolating, finding rituals to honor loved ones, sharing memories, allowing tears as they honor relationships. She says grief has no time limit and complicated grief can last longer. After the holidays, preventing loneliness is key by continuing social support. Expectations may not match reality, so focus on a few meaningful traditions and ask for help from counselors or support groups.