MADISON — The Wisconsin Tourism Department released its 2023 economic impact data June 11, showing local tourism had a record-breaking year in 2023. Wisconsin tourism recorded an economic impact of $25 billion, making it a historic year.
Greene County’s economic impact totaled $83 million, while Lafayette County generated $29 million. Greene County’s economic impact increased by about $3 million, while Lafayette County’s increased by about $2 million.
The 2023 economic impact surpassed the statewide record of $23.7 billion recorded in 2022. Lafayette County also recorded its fourth consecutive year of tourism growth, surpassing the previous record of $27 million recorded in 2022. Statewide, the historic year for tourism was driven by growing economic impact in all 72 counties, a second consecutive year of record overnight guest numbers and tourism investment in goods and services.
“The hard work of local businesses and community members is paying off,” said Allison Taylor, Director of Economic Development and Tourism. “Breaking records in economic impact and visitation for the second consecutive year highlights the appeal of Lafayette County and the importance of our ongoing efforts to promote and strengthen tourism.”
Additionally, Greene County supported 663 jobs directly related to tourism last year, roughly the same as the year before, and Lafayette County supported 208 part-time and full-time tourism jobs in various sectors of the industry, part of the more than 178,000 jobs supported by tourism statewide.
Tourism in Lafayette County also generated $1.8 million in local and state tax revenue, and Greene County brought in $4.7 million. Statewide, tourism generated $1.6 billion in local and state tax revenue in 2023. Without this revenue, each Wisconsin household would pay an additional $660 to maintain their current level of government services.
“Wisconsin tourism boosts our economy and strengthens the fabric of communities of all sizes,” said Wisconsin Tourism Director Ann Sayers. “Tourism’s historic impact has reached every corner of Wisconsin, and in doing so, has sustained the livelihoods of thousands of our friends and neighbors.”
In 2023, Wisconsin is on track to welcome 113 million visitors, an increase of nearly 2 million from the previous year. This includes 45.9 million overnight visitors last year, setting a new record for the second consecutive year of overnight visits. Overnight visitors, on average, spend nearly three times as much as day visitors.
To learn more about Wisconsin’s record-breaking year for tourism, check out our 2023 economic data, including a county-by-county breakdown: industry.travelwisconsin.com/research/
Economic impact.
For more information about tourism in Lafayette County, visit www.lafayettecountywi.org/explore or find us on Facebook@lafayettecountywisconsin
