Privatization Partnerships in Recreation and Tourism by Adrian Moore and Wade Huson Adrian Moore is director of economic studies, and Wade Huson is a policy analyst, for the Reason Public Policy Institute. Outsourcing and public-private partnerships for state tourism functions are an emerging area of privatization policy. With tourism a key part of many state economies, opportunities to improve services without expanding the budget are not to be missed. This reality helped propel the issue to prominence on the agenda of this year's national meeting of the Lieutenant Governors Association. More significant, though, is a groundbreaking partnership in the state of Iowa that may soon see many imitators.
Tourism is the third largest industry in Iowa, critical to the local and state economy.
The nonprofit corporation managed the entire project on behalf of the DOT and Division of Tourism. It handled everything from the hiring of architects through the construction, and it manages the facility, which opened in June. The group worked closely with private organizations interested in setting up business in the new center, getting feedback on the overall design and layout of the facility. This resulted in a more attractive and efficient site plan, enhancing the site's commercial appeal. The agreement between the state agencies and the nonprofit provides for a thirty-year management contract.