Wisconsin generates record $23.7 billion in tourism for 2022
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MADISON – Wisconsin saw a record-breaking $23.7 billion in economic impact generated by the tourism industry last year, with communities across the state benefiting from the dollars spent, Gov Tony Evers' office announced Tuesday.
According to a release from Evers, last year's numbers surpassed the previous state record of $22.2 billion, which was set in 2019.
"This is tremendous news and a testament to the hard work of the business owners, workers, and marketing partners across the industry and our strategic investments to bolster the industry at an especially difficult time,” Evers said.
“We must continue to make key investments in Wisconsin tourism to ensure it continues to be a key part of our economy for generations,” Evers said.
In all, more than 111 million visits were made to the state last year, up about 8.8 million over 2021. Those totals, notched as the country was emerging from the coronavirus pandemic, include 45.4 million overnight visits, the release said.
All 72 counties across the state saw an increase in economic impact from tourism, the release said, with 174,600 full and part-time jobs being supported by travelers. In addition to jobs, tourism generated about $1.5 billion in local and state tax revenue.
“Aided by strategic marketing, Wisconsin convinced more visitors to stay the night so they could add more activities to their itinerary, delivering a deeper economic impact," Tourism Secretary Anne Sayers said.
Laura Schulte can be reached at leschulte@jrn.com and on Twitter at @SchulteLaura.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin generates record $23.7 billion in tourism for 2022
