With school resuming and summer coming to an end, we are approaching the unofficial close of the heavy tourism season in Wisconsin. Earlier this year officials were concerned that Wisconsin tourism would be down due to flooding, high gas prices, and a weak national economy.
However, over the past few weeks tourism industry leaders across the state agreed that business is shaping to turn out better than expected. Recently, the president of Door County Visitor's Bureau called 2008 one of the best summers since 2000. This news is welcome as tourism is an extremely important part of our state's economy. In fact, tourism is Wisconsin's third largest industry behind agriculture and manufacturing, generating nearly $13 billion last year.
Officials are hopeful that a strong finish in July and August, coupled with a solid showing during the fall season will help to equal or surpass last year's total. Final results of the year's tourist season won't be known until the spring, when state tourism officials complete an economic impact study.
In the meantime, there still are plenty of opportunities for you to help our local businesses throughout south central Wisconsin have a strong end-of-summer season. The biennial Cheese Days festival in Monroe and the first annual Harvest Windmill festival in Evansville were this weekend, along with Oktoberfest next weekend in New Glarus. As always, our area has an abundance of great outdoor recreational opportunities including the Badger State, Sugar River and Cheese Country trails.
The recent news about tourism is encouraging. I hope you to find the time to enjoy what our area of the state has to offer, and look forward to seeing you at one of the many upcoming events in our area.
I want to hear from you so please feel welcome to express your thoughts or let me know if I can be helpful to you in any way by calling (888) 534-0080, e-mailing me at Rep.Davis@legis.wi.gov or by writing or stopping by 308 North, State Capitol, Madison, WI 53708.
- Wisconsin State Rep. Brett Davis,
R-Oregon, serves the 80th Assembly District, which includes all of Green County and portions of Rock, Dane and Lafayette counties.
However, over the past few weeks tourism industry leaders across the state agreed that business is shaping to turn out better than expected. Recently, the president of Door County Visitor's Bureau called 2008 one of the best summers since 2000. This news is welcome as tourism is an extremely important part of our state's economy. In fact, tourism is Wisconsin's third largest industry behind agriculture and manufacturing, generating nearly $13 billion last year.
Officials are hopeful that a strong finish in July and August, coupled with a solid showing during the fall season will help to equal or surpass last year's total. Final results of the year's tourist season won't be known until the spring, when state tourism officials complete an economic impact study.
In the meantime, there still are plenty of opportunities for you to help our local businesses throughout south central Wisconsin have a strong end-of-summer season. The biennial Cheese Days festival in Monroe and the first annual Harvest Windmill festival in Evansville were this weekend, along with Oktoberfest next weekend in New Glarus. As always, our area has an abundance of great outdoor recreational opportunities including the Badger State, Sugar River and Cheese Country trails.
The recent news about tourism is encouraging. I hope you to find the time to enjoy what our area of the state has to offer, and look forward to seeing you at one of the many upcoming events in our area.
I want to hear from you so please feel welcome to express your thoughts or let me know if I can be helpful to you in any way by calling (888) 534-0080, e-mailing me at Rep.Davis@legis.wi.gov or by writing or stopping by 308 North, State Capitol, Madison, WI 53708.
- Wisconsin State Rep. Brett Davis,
R-Oregon, serves the 80th Assembly District, which includes all of Green County and portions of Rock, Dane and Lafayette counties.
