The Wisconsin Department of Tourism today announced tourism’s impact on the state’s economy reached $21.6 billion in 2018. The findings are a part of a study conducted by Tourism Economics highlighting continued growth across the state’s tourism industry. Last year, tourism supported over 199,000 jobs and visitor trips topped 112 million visits. The announcement comes as Wisconsin’s tourism industry celebrates this year’s National Travel & Tourism Week (May 5-11).
Locally, travelers to Shawano County spent $68.5 million in 2018. This represents an increase of 2.3% over 2017 and a 30% increase since 2011. Among the contributing factors for local tourism growth was continued interest in local culture, attractions, and recreation. Looking at visitor spending categories state-wide, the highest growth was on recreational spending in 2018.
According to Shawano Country Tourism Manager Patti Peterson, that trend fits perfectly with their newly launched destination brand. “Our new brand invites visitors to experience the wide variety of outdoor recreation we have in Shawano and Menominee Counties. From the best whitewater rafting in the Midwest on the Wolf River, to fishing and standup paddle boarding on Shawano Lake, to snowshoeing on our trails and everything in between,” said Peterson “By focusing on our recreational opportunities we are in a strong position to continue to see visitor spending increase.”
Statewide, traveler spending generated $1.6 billion in state and local revenue and $1.2 billion in federal taxes, saving Wisconsin taxpayers $680 per household. Last year, tourism achieved a Return on Investment of 7 to 1: $7 in tax revenue per $1 promotional spend. Additional economic impact findings, including individual county figures are also available at industry.travelwisconsin.com/research/economic-impact.
