WISCONSIN DELLS, Wis. — As the holiday weekend heats up, National Travel and Tourism Week is drawing to a close in Wisconsin.
This week, the state’s tourism secretary traveled with the governor to get a glimpse of some of the Badger State’s best attractions.
What you need to know: According to 2022 data, Wisconsin had a record year with a total economic impact of $23.7 billion, surpassing the previous record of $22.2 billion set in 2019.
Governor Evers has used federal pandemic relief funds to invest more than $1 billion total into economic recovery since 2020.
Of that, more than $200 million was invested in the travel and tourism industry.
The most recent two-year budget signed by Governor Evers invested nearly $34 million to promote Wisconsin as a work and play destination.
This year’s tourism week follows last year’s announcement that Wisconsin will have a record year in 2022, with tourism generating $23.7 billion in economic impact.
In Wisconsin Dells, which the governor visited Thursday, there was an overall increase of 10.2%.
Now, officials are looking for more ways to promote the state.
“Wisconsin has what tourists are looking for,” said Ann Sayers, Wisconsin Tourism Director, “We have it all, from outdoor recreation to arts and culture to culinary experiences, which are so popular right now.”
Gov. Tony Evers and Wisconsin Tourism Director Ann Sayers join Dells Boat Tours to hear about area attractions. (Spectrum News 1/Anthony D’Abruzzi)
After a ride with Dells Boat Tours on Thursday, Sayers summed up the current state of tourism across Wisconsin in one sentence.
“We’re booming,” Sayers said. “Tourism is doing incredibly well right now. Over 174,000 of our friends and neighbors depend on tourism in some way for their livelihoods, so it’s a huge contributor to our state’s economy.”
According to the governor’s office, the governor has used federal pandemic relief funds to commit more than $1 billion to economic recovery, including $200 million in the travel and tourism industry since 2020.
“Wisconsin’s tourism regions work together, and that takes money, and these investments made by the Department of Tourism have great benefits across the state of Wisconsin,” said Governor Tony Evers.
“Tourism is on the rise and with Amtrak’s help, we’re going to bring more people to Wisconsin, which helps our economy. It helps all Wisconsinites,” Evers added.
Wisconsin Tourism Director Ann Sayers and Governor Tony Evers wave to passengers on another boat as they pass by. (Spectrum News 1/Anthony D’Abruzzi)
The most recent budget signed by Governor Evers invests nearly $34 million over two years to position Wisconsin as a top place to work and play.
“We’re putting this money to immediate use to get the word out and develop our economy, and as you can see, it’s been a real positive for our community,” Sayers explained.
To her, the money is an investment, not an expense.
“Every dollar counts when you invest in tourism. If we’re not going to get people to come and experience our product then keeping these secrets doesn’t do us any good,” Sayers added.
“Wisconsin has proven in recent years that it can host large-scale events like this and do it well. In 2020 we had the Democratic National Convention. We had the Ryder Cup. Last year we had the U.S. Senior Open. We have the Republican National Convention coming up and IndyCar is coming back. [and] We have the NFL Draft next year, which means we’re on a big global stage now, and we want to be there and make sure people from all over the world can tune in to these big events and learn a little bit about Wisconsin and why they should come to Wisconsin. [to] “Create your own vacation memories here,” Sayers said.
