Conference to showcase power of Idaho tourism
KAYE THORNBRUGH | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 year AGO
Kaye Thornbrugh is a second-generation Kootenai County resident who has been with the Coeur d’Alene Press for six years. She primarily covers Kootenai County’s government, as well as law enforcement, the legal system and North Idaho College. | October 9, 2025 1:00 AM
The Idaho Conference on Recreation and Tourism is set for Oct. 20-22 in Idaho Falls.
The conference is designed for destination marketing organizations and tourism-related businesses in Idaho, from restaurants, hotels, breweries and wineries to retail stores, performing arts, museums and any attraction that engages with Idaho’s many visitors.
“ICORT 2025 is centered on celebrating the power of Idaho tourism,” said Natalie Jushinski, tourism manager for Visit Idaho. “It’s a place to showcase our collective successes, explore emerging trends and share insights that strengthen our industry. By coming together and recognizing our partners, we foster the collaboration and innovation that continue to elevate Idaho’s tourism experience.”
Tourism is the state’s third-largest industry, behind agriculture and technology. In North Idaho, the travel industry’s share of overall employment is estimated to be 8%, according to a 2023 report published by Visit Idaho, including more than 13,000 travel-generated jobs.
The report found that travel spending in North Idaho grew steadily from $833 million in 2020 to $1.25 billion in 2023. In 2025, the summer season in Coeur d’Alene got off to a strong start, with revenue from the region’s lodging tax up 2.5% over last year — a good indicator of how area businesses were performing.
Featured keynotes and panels include a panel on the “Power of Idaho Tourism,” featuring perspectives from Sandpoint Mayor Jeremy Grimm and others, as well as a presentation by Brian Screptock on the latest findings on Idaho’s visitor trends and.
Info: ICORT.org
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