2026 calendar, editorial hits, Tourism Talks, tax collections & more!
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Travel Pulse Header Photo_JANUARY2026

NEWS   ●    WHAT'S AHEAD   ●    THE NUMBERS

IDAHO IN THE NEWS

Hear what people are saying about Idaho.

15 Places in the U.S. to See Bald Eagles in Their Natural Habitat
Animals Around the Globe | Region 1 - Lake Coeur d'Alene


Steelhead Expo Brings Winter Anglers Together in Clearwater County

Out There Outdoors | Region 2 - Lewiston  

Idaho's Beautiful Resort Town Offers Scenic Outdoor Recreation for a Fun Getaway
Planet Ware | Region 3 - McCall


Idaho's Best-Kept Secret is a Crowd-Free Getaway With Endless Outdoor Recreation
Islands | Region 4 - Albion


The Rural Town in Idaho That's a Hidden Gem for People Who Want to Live Simply
Family Destinations Guide | Region 5 - Malad

 

The Ski Escape Seasoned Travelers Are Quietly Choosing Instead of Park City and Jackson Hole
Resident Magazine | Region 6 - Teton Valley

 

Become a Better Skier or Snowboarder at These Ski Camps
Forbes Magazine | Region 7 - Sun Valley

 

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IDAHO TOURISM CALENDAR - 2026

ITC Winter Meeting
January 21, 2026 | 10:00am MT | Virtual
For virtual access please contact Natalie Jushinski

  IOGA'S Thaw Dinner Gala
February 26, 2026 | 6:00pm-10:00pm MT | JUMP, Boise

Learn More and Purchase Tickets

 

 ITC Meeting-Tourism Tour Recap
March 31, 2026 | 10:00am MT Virtual
 For virtual access please contact Natalie Jushinski 

 

Go West Summit
March 31-April 4, 2026 | Las Vegas, NV
Learn More and Register

 

Main Street Now 2026
April 13-15, 2026 | Tulsa, OK
Learn More and Register

 

IRU (International Round-up)
April 28 - May 1, 2026 | Medora, ND
Just a few spaces left!
Learn More and Register

ITC Meeting - Grant Presentations
May 7-8, 2026 | 8:00am-5:00pm MT | Idaho Capitol, Boise, ID

Idaho Rural Success Summit
May 13 & 14, 2026 | Idaho Central Credit Union Bengal Alumni Center
on the campus of Idaho State University| Pocatello
Learn More and Register

ITC Meeting - Grant Awards
July 29 & 30, 2026 | 8:00am-5:00pm MT | Region 3 - location TBD

ITC Fall Meeting
October 19, 2026 | 9:00am-12:00pm PT | Moscow, ID

Idaho Conference on Recreation and Tourism 2026
October 19-21, 2026 | Best Western Plus University Inn | Moscow, ID
Learn More

VISIT IDAHO IS HEADING YOUR WAY!
Save the Date and Mark Your Calendar For

Visit Idaho Regional Tourism Talks

In case you missed the Save-The-Date email from last week, the Visit Idaho team will hit the road in March for its annual tour around the state. Formerly known as Tourism Tours, these regional conversations educate grantees, travel partners and recreation professionals on Visit Idaho's strategies and programs while fostering conversation between industry partners and informing Visit Idaho staff on updates and needs from each region.

 

The half-day sessions will provide a platform for attendees to connect with state tourism representatives, regional partners and peers while gaining actionable knowledge to enhance marketing and outreach efforts.

 

We’re shaping each agenda around the priorities and interests of the region, so strong participation will be key to making these meetings successful.


Everyone involved with or curious about Idaho's tourism industry is invited and encouraged to attend. Please share this information with all who might be interested.
Thank you! 

March 5 | Nampa - Region 3 | 1:00pm-5:00pm MT
March 11 | Idaho Falls - Region 5 & 6 | 9:00am-1:00pm MT
March 12 | Burley - Region 4 | 9:00am-1:00pm MT

March 18 | Orofino - Region 2 | 9:00am-1:00pm PT

March 19 | Coeur d'Alene - Region 1 | 9:00am-1:00pm PT

March 25 | Stanley - Region 7 | 9:00am-1:00pm MT

 

Watch your inbox for upcoming information on meeting location, agenda topics and registration (there is no cost to attend).

Everyone involved with or curious about Idaho's tourism industry is invited and encouraged to attend. Please share this information with all who might be interested. Thank you! Questions? Contact Laurie.McConnell@tourism.idaho.gov.

Soccer ball sits in the foreground with a grass field and trees in the background. Photo credit: Markus Spiske

CAPITALIZE ON international FIFA EXCITeMENT IN YOUR COMMUNITY

As you may know, the FIFA World Cup will take place June 11 – July 19, 2026 with the majority of matches being played in the United States. International and domestic travel within the US is expected to increase during the tournament. Due to cost, many of these travelers will not actually be attending the matches but still want to be part of the action. 

 

Does your community or business have plans for special World Cup programming? Watch party events at sports bars, etc.? Public screenings of matches at arenas, sports complexes, or city centers? Themed hotel packages?

 

If you know of anything extra in the works with a FIFA focus, Visit Idaho wants to know about it!  International travelers are already making summer holiday plans and will be looking for spots where they can follow the matches and join the fun. Click here to submit your FIFA World Cup opportunities.

Share your FIFA Activities or Events

TG-Slope Dreams-Mag Spread

Beautiful 2026 official idaho travel guide now available

Visit Idaho has released its 2026 Official Idaho Travel Guide, a visually rich, story-driven publication spotlighting the natural beauty and diverse experiences across the state. Blending immersive storytelling with practical planning tips, the guide is designed to inspire first-time visitors, returning travelers and Idahoans. Inside, readers will find maps, trip ideas and in-depth articles on food, history, culture and outdoor recreation.

 

As one of Visit Idaho's primary trip-planning resources, the Idaho Travel Guide complements the tools, itineraries and tips availalable at visitidaho.org, helping travelers plan memorable vacations statewide. The guide is available at no cost in both print and digital formats. Travelers may order a printed copy or download a digital version.

 

If you would like to request bulk orders for your visitor center, please email Tina.Caviness@tourism.idaho.gov.

Learn more about the 2026 Travel Guide

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IDAHO FALLS TO HOST INTERNATIONAL ROUNDUP (IRU) IN 2027


In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, participating state agencies with the America250 in Idaho Task Force: Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, Idaho State Historical Society, the Idaho Transportation Department, and the Idaho Department of Commerce, with Visit Idaho, are proud to announce the launch of Move250 Idaho. This year-long initiative invites participants to log 250 miles of movement across Idaho’s remarkable trails, paths, historic highways, scenic byways, and waterways by foot, bike, horseback, car, or other self-powered means, while celebrating our country’s shared history and the state’s natural beauty.
Move250 Idaho features a self-reporting platform where participants track miles and contribute stories to a statewide archive. Community partners and non-profits are invited to submit mileage or destination challenges over the next year to encourage participation in Move250 Idaho, and the America250 in Idaho Task Force welcomes opportunities to partner and support sponsored events and offer unique incentives throughout 2026.
Read the Press Release
Learn More About IRU

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"Move250 Idaho" Launches in Celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary 

In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, participating state agencies with the America250 in Idaho Task Force: Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, Idaho State Historical Society, the Idaho Transportation Department, and the Idaho Department of Commerce, with Visit Idaho, are proud to announce the launch of Move250 Idaho. This year-long initiative invites participants to log 250 miles of movement across Idaho’s remarkable trails, paths, historic highways, scenic byways, and waterways by foot, bike, horseback, car, or other self-powered means, while celebrating our country’s shared history and the state’s natural beauty.
Move250 Idaho features a self-reporting platform where participants track miles and contribute stories to a statewide archive. Community partners and non-profits are invited to submit mileage or destination challenges over the next year to encourage participation in Move250 Idaho, and the America250 in Idaho Task Force welcomes opportunities to partner and support sponsored events and offer unique incentives throughout 2026.
Read the Press Release
Visit the Move250 webpage
costumed men and women float down in a river on colorful tubes on a snowy day, as part of a winter festival.

Idaho Lodging Tax Collections

Lodging tax collections increased 8.63% in December, compared to the same month last year. Statewide collections reflect a 3.73% increase year over year. Looking forward to a positive winter!
Download FY 26 Lodging Tax Collections
A woman with blond hair, red jacket and sage green ski pants skis on snowy slopes with snow-covered trees in the background.

eyes on idaho

 Travel tips published in december
  1. 10 Unforgettable Rodeos in Idaho
  2. Exploring Boise's Seasonal Winter Activities

Check out Visit Idaho Travel Tips at visitidaho.org/traveltips to find stories to help further your marketing message. Be sure to follow us on social media @VisitIdaho or click the social links below.
 

Top States Requesting Idaho Travel Guides 

December: Texas, Idaho, California, Florida, Virginia

A group of 18 men and women pose for a photo in a park-like setting beneath a banner that reads Travel With Care.

Travel with care, Idaho

Visit Idaho's Travel With Care initiative encourages residents and travelers to recreate responsibly when traveling to and through the Gem State. We all need to do our part to keep Idaho the special place it is. If your business or organization is involved with recreation and hospitality and you want to help spread the Travel With Care message, check out our partner toolkit with messaging, assets and event ideas. (New toolkit coming soon.)

 

Thanks to our partners in supporting this important message: Southeast Idaho High Country Tourism, Post Falls, Sun Valley, Wood River Valley, McCall, Coeur d'Alene, Stanley and Southern Idaho Tourism. If we missed your destination, or if you would like to host a Travel With Care event in your community, just reply to this email and let us know! 

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Please forward this on and they may sign up here.

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Visit Idaho
700 West State Street
Boise, ID 83720-0093
800-VISIT-ID (800-847-4843)
visitidaho.o
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Brad Little, Governor
Tom Kealey, Director

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