For the City Times

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – The Wisconsin Department of Tourism says that Wood County visitor spending up and tourism’s impact on the state’s economy reached $22.2 billion in 2019.

The findings are a part of a study conducted by Tourism Economics, highlighting continued growth across the state’s tourism industry.

Last year, tourism supported 202,217 jobs and visitor trips topped 113 million visits. The announcement came as Wisconsin’s tourism industry celebrated this year’s National Travel & Tourism Week – May 3-9.

Travelers to Wood County spent over $197 million and contributed over $12 million in state and local taxes in 2019.

“Our central location combined with our hometown hospitality provide abundant opportunities for business, sports, and leisure travelers.  Tourism is growing and plays an important role in our community, and from an economic standpoint, the numbers reflect that”, said Meredith Kleker, Wisconsin Rapids Area Convention & Visitors Bureau executive director.  “2019 numbers are very encouraging and although we know 2020 will be different, we hope to capitalize on this momentum and welcome visitors soon.”

Statewide, traveler spending generated $1.6 billion in state and local tax revenue and $1.3 billion in federal taxes. Tax revenue generated by tourism offset $687 in taxes per household. Last year, tourism achieved a Return on Investment of 8 to 1: $8 in tax revenue per $1 promotional spend.

“Travel plays a critical role in Wisconsin’s economic prosperity. Every year our state’s tourism industry celebrates National Travel and Tourism Week, and the Department of Tourism uses this time to release the previous year’s economic impact numbers,” said Secretary-designee, Sara Meaney. “We know that 2020 will not look like 2019. But the good news is that on the heels of a banner year for Wisconsin travel and tourism, the state has shown itself to be an increasingly sought-after destination, which gives the department confidence that it remains on the radar as a preferred destination for visitors.”

The Department of Tourism works with international research firms Tourism Economics and Longwoods International.