MONROE — The Wisconsin Department of Tourism released 2022 economic impact data, showing the tourism industry generated a record-breaking $23.7 billion in total economic impact. The highest-ever overnight visitation helped fuel the growth, with Green County playing a pivotal role by contributing $80 million in total economic impact. 

The 2022 total economic impact surpassed the previous statewide record of $22.2 billion set in 2019. Additionally, last year, Green County Tourism supported 664 part-time and full-time jobs across various sectors of the industry and generated $4.5 million in local tax revenue. Statewide, tourism generated $1.5 billion in state and local tax revenue. Without this revenue, each Wisconsin household would pay an additional $620 to maintain the current level of government services.

In 2022, there were 111.1 million visits in Wisconsin, which was up 8.8 million visits, or 8.7%, over the previous year. This includes a record 45.4 million overnight visits, or a 13.8% increase from 2021. Overnight visitors, on average, spent nearly three times as much as day trip visitors. To learn more about Wisconsin tourism’s record-breaking year, view the 2022 economic impact data at industry.travelwisconsin.com/research. 

“Tourism is both big fun and big business. I’m so grateful for the innovation and dedication of the folks who make up Wisconsin’s tourism industry. Each one of them played a role in setting this record,” said Wisconsin Department of Tourism Secretary Anne Sayers. “Aided by strategic marketing, Wisconsin convinced more visitors to stay longer so they could add more activities to their itinerary, delivering a deeper economic impact. I congratulate the entire industry on an incredible record-breaking year.” 

Green County Tourism promotes the area as a destination for leisure and group travelers. The marketing plan for 2023 includes print, radio, billboards, Google display and search engine marketing, social media, and geofencing. Green County uses the tagline “eat. drink. yodel.” because in addition to being a foodie destination, the communities of Green County welcome visitors for fun festivals and events year round. Find out what’s coming up next on the calendar by visiting the Green County Tourism website eatdrinkyodel.com.

Lafayette Co. tourism has record-breaking year

The highest-ever overnight visitation helped fuel the growth, with Lafayette County playing a pivotal role by contributing $27 million in total economic impact.

The 2022 total economic impact surpassed the previous statewide record of $22.2 billion set in 2019. Lafayette County also surpassed the previous record of $25 million set in 2019. Additionally, last year, Lafayette County tourism supported 195 part-time and full-time jobs across various sectors of the industry and generated $1.6 million in local tax revenue. 

“This is exciting news for our county” stated Allison Taylor, Economic Development and Tourism Director. “Lafayette County saw an 18.7% growth from 2021 to 2022, putting us in the Top 3 of the state. We hope that this trend will continue and we will be able to share our beautiful county with many more people in years to come.” 

To find out more about Lafayette County, visit www.lafayettecountywi.org/explore or check them out on Facebook @lafayettecountywisconsin.

State numbers tops all-time

The economic impact of the travel and tourism industry is felt by communities in every corner of the state, and in 2022, all 72 counties experienced an increase in total tourism economic impact. Further, last year, tourism supported 174,600 part-time and full-time jobs across various sectors of the industry and generated $1.5 billion in state and local tax revenue. Historic marketing investments from the Wisconsin Department of Tourism, critical relief dollars allocated by Gov. Evers, and the efforts of communities across Wisconsin helped contribute to the new record, as well as the highest-ever overnight visitation rate. 

“I’m so excited to be celebrating a record-breaking year for Wisconsin’s tourism industry. 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,” said Gov. Tony Evers. “Tourism is vital to the economic health of local communities, businesses, and workers across our state, and I’m proud of our work to support this critical industry and its success over these past few years. We must continue to make key investments in Wisconsin tourism to ensure it continues to be a key part of our economy for generations.”

Since launching the “Here’s to Those Who Wisconsin” brand in 2021, Travel Wisconsin’s advertising campaigns have reached visitors in 12 Midwestern markets and resulted in more than one billion impressions. The brand highlights Wisconsin’s welcoming nature and celebratory spirit while positioning Wisconsin as a premier travel destination to make lifelong memories.

Travel Wisconsin markets Wisconsin as an all-seasons destination, and the economic impact data reflects that as travel spending grew year-over-year in every quarter in 2022.

The Native Nations of Wisconsin also play a critical role in enriching the state’s tourism industry offerings and attracting travelers to the state. Because Tribal tourism data is private, the total economic impact of Tribal tourism is not wholly reflected in this report.