WISCONSIN TOURISM EXPERIENCES $1 BILLION INCREASE IN 2014: Douglas County Visitor Spending is Up 4.58 Percent
Superior, Wis. (May 1, 2015) – For the travelers that helped Wisconsin achieve a $1 billion increase in tourism economic impact in 2014, it’s all about the fun and memories. For the state’s tourism industry, it’s big business. And for taxpayers and residents, it’s all about jobs and tax revenue those travelers generate. A study conducted by Tourism Economics shows the impact of tourism on the state’s economy was $18.5 billion in 2014, an increase of 5.5 percent from the previous year.
Locally, travelers to Douglas County spent $85.6 million in 2014. Among the contributing factors for local tourism growth was an increased focus on regional marketing partnerships, strong support from the Wisconsin Department of Tourism, social media marketing, and strengthening relationships with local tourism partners.
“With all of the exciting changes and growth going on in the community, tourism continues to remain a strong player in the local economy,” said Chamber President/CEO David Minor. “To see another year of great economic numbers in regards to tourism just solidifies our mission to support and promote our local businesses, attractions, and outdoor beauty that make Superior and Douglas County one of Wisconsin’s most popular northwoods destinations.”
In addition to a 4.58 percent increase in visitor spending in Douglas County from 2013 to 2014, total business sales were $125.2 million in 2014, an increase of 4.92% from 2013. Visitors to Douglas County generated $10.1 million in state and local taxes during 2014.The latest economic report states that 1,255 jobs with a total personal income of $25.4 million were supported by visitors to Douglas County last year.
Statewide, traveler spending generated $1.4 billion in state and local revenue and $1 billion in federal taxes.
“The past four years have been outstanding for Wisconsin’s tourism industry. Since 2010, tourism activity is up by $3.7 billion, a 25 percent increase. And this is the first time in recent history that all 72 counties posted a positive increase in visitor spending,” said Department of Tourism Secretary Stephanie Klett. “Tourism continues to be one of Wisconsin’s most important economic resources. What’s more is research shows that tourism advertising goes beyond just promoting vacations, it also positively influences the state’s overall image as a great place to live, find a job, or open a business.”
The Department of Tourism worked with a national research firm Tourism Economics and Longwoods International to produce the reports.
About the Superior-Douglas County Visitors Bureau
The Superior-Douglas County Visitors Bureau is the tourism arm of the Superior-Douglas County Area Chamber of Commerce. The Visitors Bureau produces promotional materials such as the Superior-Douglas County Travel and Activities Guide and operates the Superior-Douglas County Welcome Center, offering free visitor and travel information for Superior, Douglas County, and the State of Wisconsin. For more information about the Visitors Bureau, go to http://www.superiorchamber.org/visitors.html or call 715.394.7716.
