Appanoose County Tourism has released its 20-Year Investment & Impact Report, providing a comprehensive look at how hotel/motel tax revenues have been invested throughout Appanoose County since the tourism program was established in 2004. The report highlights more than two decades of investments in tourism attractions, recreation assets, community events, historic preservation efforts, destination marketing, and quality-of-life projects across the county. It was presented during the June 2026 meeting of the Appanoose County Board of Supervisors.
The report was originally planned for release later this year but was expedited following recent discussions regarding a proposed resolution that would have altered the existing tourism funding structure. Following discussion at the meeting, the Board of Supervisors voted to table
the resolution for the time being.
A strong showing of local nonprofit organizations, business owners, tourism partners, former grant recipients, and community members attended the meeting to express their support for Appanoose County Tourism and the impact tourism investments have had throughout the
county over the past 20 years.
Among the report’s key findings:
● More than $821,000 in tourism grants have been awarded since 2005.
● Tourism investments have supported hundreds of projects across Appanoose County, including recreation amenities, historic preservation projects, community festivals, attractions, and destination marketing efforts.
● Tourism spending in Appanoose County reached a record $39.2 million in 2024.
● Tourism supports an estimated 344 local jobs and generates more than $57 million in annual economic impact.
The report also documents long-term investments in assets and events that continue to attract visitors today, including Honey Creek Resort, Rathbun Lake-area amenities, conservation and recreation projects, downtown revitalization efforts, historic preservation initiatives, Pancake
Day, Moravia Fall Festival, Moulton Jamboree and numerous community-led events and attractions.
The full 20-Year Investment & Impact Report is available to the public through PACT and Appanoose County Tourism channels.
About Appanoose County Tourism
Appanoose County Tourism is funded through local hotel/motel tax revenues and is governed by the Appanoose County Tourism Commission. The commission includes three representatives appointed by Appanoose County, the City of Centerville, and PACT. Tourism funding supports destination marketing, tourism-related projects, events, attractions, and initiatives designed to increase visitation and strengthen Appanoose County’s economy.
