Impacts from tourism in Wisconsin in 2022 were “record-breaking,” according to data recently released by the state’s tourism department as shared by Holly Tierney, president of the Jefferson County Area Tourism Council.
According to information released by the Jefferson County tourism council, the state enjoyed a “total economic impact” in 2022 of $23.7 billion.
Jefferson County, the release stated, contributed $195 million to the reported 2022 statewide impact.
The statewide impact was partially attributed to “the highest-ever overnight visitation,” according to the release.
The 2022 impact figures outperform data collected in 2019, which, according to the release, was the previously recorded high impact year, coming in statewide at $22.2 billion. Jefferson County, in 2019, was responsible for $185 million in tourism impact.
In addition, the release stated, in Jefferson County, tourism supported some 1,500 part- and full-time jobs, and generated some $11.1 million in local tax revenue, which, the released noted, represents a 2.6% increase from revenues generated in 2021.
“Without this revenue, each Wisconsin household would pay an additional $620 to maintain the current level of government services,” the release stated.
According to Tierney, as stated in the release, direct visitor spending in 2022 was up 8.8% in Jefferson County and, she noted, “this spending is shared across the county in all of our communities.”
Looking at the number of visits made to the state, according to the release, in 2022, 8.8 million additional visits over those made in 2021 were recorded. In 2022, some 111.1 visits were made to the state, representing an increase of 8.7% over the previous year. Of that total, 45.5 million, a record number, the release noted, were overnight. The number represents a 13.8% increase from the previous year.
The release noted that overnight visitors to the state spend “nearly three times as much” as their day-tripping counterparts.
Those interested in learning more about Wisconsin’s 2022 tourism data are encouraged to visit the following link where they will find a county-by-county breakdown: industry.travelwisconsin.com/research.
About the Jefferson County Area Tourism Council
According to the release, the Jefferson County Area Tourism Council is a grassroots organization with the sole purpose of increasing tourism throughout Jefferson County. The group consists of representatives from area chambers, municipal tourism departments, and businesses. Communities are located between Madison and Milwaukee along the I-94 and U.S. 26 corridors and include Cambridge, Fort Atkinson, Jefferson, Johnson Creek, Lake Mills, Oakland, Palmyra, Waterloo, Watertown, Whitewater, and the surrounding area. To learn more about the tourism council, visit its website: enjoyjeffersoncounty.com.
About the Wisconsin Department of Tourism
According to the release, the mission of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism is to inspire travelers to visit Wisconsin. By executing industry-leading marketing programs and establishing strategic partnerships, the department plays a significant role in generating greater economic impact for Wisconsin through tourism. To learn more about the department, visit its website: industry.travelwisconsin.com.
Event-goers enjoy music alongside the Rock River in Fort Atkinson. The event was one of many scheduled to entertain Jefferson County visitors and residents alike in 2021. File photo/Kim McDarison.
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