MADISON, Wis. (Civic Media) – Wisconsin Tourism had a record breaking year in 2023, bringing in 25 billion dollars in profits, an increase of 5.4 percent from 2022. This is the second year in a row Wisconsin Tourism recorded record-breaking numbers.
Travel Wisconsin Communications Director Craig Trost credits an increase in overnight visitors as the driving force behind bigger tourism profits. In 2023, 49.5 million tourists stayed overnight in Wisconsin, over half a million more than the year before. Overnight visitors spend three times more than the average day-tripper.
“The more people we bring into Wisconsin the bigger the economic impact,” said Trost. “Driving those overnight visitors up was a really important strategy for ourselves and our destination partners.”
Milwaukee County was the most profitable in 2023, bringing in over 4 billion dollars. Dane County, Door County, and the Wisconsin Dells were also popular destinations last year. But, the big takeaway for Trost was the economic growth demonstrated by every county in Wisconsin.
“We had a historic year because every single one of our 72 countries helped drive that economic impact,” Trost said.
Wisconsin Tourism continues to be one of the largest contributors to Wisconsin’s economy. Without the funds brought in by tourism, the average taxpaying household in Wisconsin would have to pay an additional $660 a year. Tourism is also a major employer; one in 21 jobs in Wisconsin are in the tourism industry.
Travel Wisconsin was able to run a successful advertising campaign last year thanks to Governor Tony Evers 2023-25 budget, which included the largest increase in marketing and advertising funds for the Wisconsin Department of Tourism in state history. Travel Wisconsin marketed the state as a destination for business and recreation, highlighting natural and cultural attractions.
With the trajectory Wisconsin’s tourism industry is demonstrating, 2024 has the potential to set new records.
“We’ve got a lot more [tourists] coming, and we hope to have more in the future,” said Trost.
More Articles
Senator Tammy Baldwin pushes for the Stop Bad Mergers Act to protect Wisconsin jobs
6/23/2024 | Teri Barr
Senator Baldwin is advocating for enhanced FTC oversight and worker protections and joins the Matenaer on Air show to explain this proposal in response to job losses from corporate mergers
Former Ambassador Bruce Heyman on the impact a potential Trump presidency could have on national security and the importance of NATO
6/23/2024 | Teri Barr
The former ambassador to Canada is a member of the National Security Leaders for America and joins the Matenaer on Air show to discuss the group’s nonpartisan stance against Donald Trump.
June Dairy Breakfasts – Wisconsin Rapids and Pittsville
6/23/2024 | Melissa Kaye
June Dairy Breakfasts took place in Wisconsin Rapids and Pittsville on Saturday. Great attendance despite the weather.
New Security Plans for Republican National Convention are Subject of ACLU Lawsuit
6/21/2024 | Ella Saph
MILWAUKEE (Civic Media) – The United States Secret Service has announced increased security measures prior to the 2024 Republican National Convention (RNC) in Milwaukee July 15-18. The new precautions are expected to pose challenges for vehicles, pedestrians, and public transit in downtown Milwaukee, and according to the ACLU, are in violation of First Amendment rights. […]
Could the Mississippi River benefit from Chesapeake Bay’s strategy to improve water quality?
6/21/2024 | Bennet Goldstein / Wisconsin Watch
In the Mississippi River basin, an estimated 60% to 80% of the nitrogen entering the gulf originates at farms and livestock operations.
