Governor Doyle Announces Tourism Revenue Up 2.7 Percent in 2008

Growth Seen Despite Flooding, Recession, Gas Price Issues

Madison, WI (PRWEB) May 10, 2009 -- Governor Jim Doyle today announced the Wisconsin Tourism industry posted a gain of 2.7 percent in 2008. The annual Economic Impact of Traveler Expenditures on Wisconsin (http://industry.travelwisconsin.com/~/media/Files/Research/Hidden%20Research/WI%202008%20State%20ReportHIGHLIGHTS%20330091pdf.pdf) report estimated that travelers spent $13.1 billion in the state last year compared to $12.8 billion in 2007.

"Even as we contended with an unprecedented economic crisis and severe weather (http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/43281142.html) in 2008, Wisconsin's $13 billion tourism industry remained one of the core strengths of the state's economy," Governor Jim Doyle said. "This is a testament to the power of travel (http://www.tia.org/) and its impact on our state's economy, generating jobs, wages and tax revenues for the state."

Tourism is one of the top three industries in the state with manufacturing and agriculture. It supports 310,330 jobs and $7.3 billion in payroll. Tourism also generated $1.5 billion in state government revenues and $664 million in local government revenues.

Wisconsin Department of Tourism officials are cautiously optimistic as the state's tourism industry heads into the summer season, which unofficially kicks off Memorial Day Weekend. While tough economic times lie ahead, the state's tourism industry has some important factors working in its favor that should resonate with budget-conscious travelers.

"We're an easy drive destination. We've earned our stripes as a good value and as a tried-and-true destination. People feel reassured their vacation dollars are well spent here," Tourism Secretary Trumble said. "While times are tough, a Wisconsin vacation is not something people are willing to part with easily."

Milwaukee, Dane and Sauk counties again topped $1 billion in traveler spending. Rounding out the state's top 10 counties for traveler spending were Waukesha, Brown, Door, Walworth, Outagamie, Sheboygan and Vilas counties.

Other highlights from the study include:

*Traveler spending was up during all seasons except fall.

o    Winter (December 2007-February 2008) grew the most at 7.1 percent to $2.3 billion

o    Spring (March-May) increased 3.8 percent $2.7 billion

o    Summer (June-August) was up 3.1 percent to $5.0 billion

o    Fall (September-November) was down 2.2 percent to $3.0 billion

*The study found growth among all three types of travelers measured.

o    Business travel spending grew 1.3 percent to $2.5 billion

o    Meetings and convention travel spending increased 3.3 percent, to $1.4 billion

o    Leisure traveler spending increased 2.9 percent, rising to $9.3 billion.

*Total estimated expenditures by category was as follows:

o    Shopping and food accounted for roughly 30 percent of the total spending at $4.0 billion at $3.5 billion respectively.

o    Expenditures on recreation was $2.9 billion

o    Lodging spending was $1.7 billion

o    Transportation (gas, rental cars, motor coach fares, etc.) spending was $1.0 billion

The annual tourism study is conducted by Davidson Peterson Associates (http://www.digitalresearch.com/dpa.html), a national research firm known for its expertise in measuring the economic impact of tourism. The study methodology, in place for nearly 20 years, includes thousands of face-to-face and phone interviews to collect the required data. To view the tourism economic impact study, click here (http://industry.travelwisconsin.com/~/media/Files/Research/Hidden%20Research/WI%202008%20State%20ReportHIGHLIGHTS%20330091pdf.pdf).

To learn more about travel opportunities in Wisconsin, visit http://travelwisconsin.com.

Media Contacts:

Lisa Marshall, Wisconsin Dept. of Tourism

Phone: 1-800-236-7529 (during business hours)

Andy Larsen, Boelter + Lincoln

Phone: 414/840-0891 (after hours and weekends)

http://industry.travelwisconsin.com/

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